The Government has proposed a financial package of VND256 trillion ($16.5 billion) for cultural development in the next ten years, from 2025 to 2035.

On behalf of the Government, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung presented the package at the ongoing sitting of the 15th National Assembly (NA)'s 8th session on November 1.

The package is part of the national target program on cultural development in the 2025-2035 period.

Out of the financial resource, VND77 trillion (more than $3 billion) will be sourced from the State budget. About VND30.25 trillion (nearly $1.2 billion) will come from local budget. The remaining will be from other legal sources.

The program is aimed at creating significant and comprehensive changes in cultural development and in building, perfecting the standards for ethics, identity and values of Vietnamese people and families; improving the spiritual life and accessibility to cultural enjoyment for the people; and preserving and promoting the value of the nation's unique cultural heritage.

It also targets to boost investment resources on key, quality and effective cultural development; promote creative innovation; and raise the country's international status by leveraging the 'soft' power of Vietnamese culture.