But the speakers noted that those areas, collectively called the cultural industry, are stymied by red tape, undeveloped infrastructure, and weak regulations for copyrights and advertisements.
Dr. Tom Fleming, a creative economy strategist, and William Codjo, an independent consultant, presented their UNESCO report, “Creative industries: Opportunity to develop economy and culture for Vietnam” in the capital.
The pair said Vietnam could take advantage of two assets: a young population that has mastered digital technology, and an active marketing industry.
They also suggested a long-term strategy to sustain the cultural industry, by improving movies, music, media, fashion, games, and software.
Codjo and Fleming’s report is the result of their previous visit to Vietnam in April, when they took met with representatives in both the public and private sectors.
The conference last week, titled “Development of financial mechanisms and a new legal framework for the cultural industry in Vietnam,” included local authorities who oversee cultural development.
The UNESCO experts now head to Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An to continue their research.