An estimated capital of over VND122.2 trillion ($4.8 billion) is needed to implement the National Target Program on Cultural Development for the 2025 – 2030, according to Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung.

Of the total, the Government proposed to earmark some VND77 trillion ($3 billion) from the State budget, the minister said while presenting the proposal at the on-going sitting of the 15th National Assembly (NA)'s 7th session on June 3.

The three-phase program will focus on activities in the fields of culture and arts, especially cultural heritage, grassroots culture, performing arts, fine arts, photography, and exhibitions.

The program is expected to contribute to preserving and upholding the value of the nation's unique cultural heritage; promoting socio-economic development; and enhancing the country's position in the international arena through promoting "soft power” of the Vietnamese culture, international cultural integration, and absorbing the quintessence of human culture.

Chairman of the NA's Committee for Culture and Education Nguyen Dac Vinh stressed that the program will contribute to enhancing investment resources, meeting the urgent requirements for comprehensive human development and building an advanced culture imbued with national identity, thus ensuring that culture truly becomes a solid spiritual foundation of society, an internal strength, and a motivation for the national development and defense.