Participants discussed viewpoints and orientations for the restoration of wood architecture, and management of urban values in Vietnam. Nguyen Chi Trung, director of the Hoi An Center for Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation, said Hoi An with over 1,000 ancient architectural works was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1999. Hoi An has been acknowledged for its strong efforts to preserve cultural values in the Asia-Pacific region: “The most important thing is to bring into full play the role of the community and related agencies in the preservation of cultural values and tourism development. The development will benefit the community, encouraging people to do even more to preserve and promote cultural identities”.

Secretary-General of the Viet Nam National Commission for UNESCO Pham Vinh Quang said urban heritage areas need to be promoted and that growth must not outpace preservation. He stressed the need for more international cooperation and experience sharing in preservation and promotion of heritages.