The reorganization of provincial administrative units and the implementation of a two-tier local government model is an important step in the administrative reform process. In addition to the goal of streamlining the apparatus and reducing management units, this reorganization is also a profound strategic opportunity: restructuring the development space, especially in the cultural sector - where creative industries can become a new growth driver, while spreading soft power from the local level to the national level.
The reorganized localities not only expand in area, population and resources, but also open up the possibility of using creative solutions to protect and promote the diversity of cultural expressions, creating momentum to shape new cultural and economic centers, contributing to promoting sustainable development on the basis of local identity. In that context, repositioning identity in the national and international creative space is an issue that localities need to pay attention to and have a roadmap and strategy.
The first thing to do is to proactively redesign the cultural industry development map, integrating tourist destinations, heritage, cultural institutions and creative clusters to clearly define core areas, development axes and specific products. Lam Dong can be taken as an example.
After merging with Binh Thuan and Dak Nong provinces, Lam Dong has become the largest locality in the country, and at the same time possesses a rich cultural space, from Central Highlands gongs, forest-sea ecosystems, to archaeological relics and unique folk festivals. Da Lat City, a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of music, can completely become the nucleus of a new cultural industrial ecosystem, connecting music, tourism, handicrafts, contemporary art and creative media into a unique value chain.
Similarly, Ninh Binh after merging with Nam Dinh and Ha Nam provinces can be positioned as a “creative heritage city”. With the Trang An scenic system, Cheo art, traditional craft villages and unique religious architecture, this place has the potential to strongly develop cultural industry associated with traditional arts, cinema, design, handicrafts and performing arts. Or the merger of Ho Chi Minh City - Binh Duong - Ba Ria - Vung Tau has formed a Southern creative super region, combining creative urban capacity with industrial culture, sea tourism and Southern festival activities rich in identity and dynamism…
However, the process of merging localities also poses some challenges. For example, Da Lat has been recognized as a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of music, or Hoi An in the field of handicrafts and folk arts, now from a city has been transformed into a "ward".
Therefore, flexible and timely solutions are needed to ensure the maintenance of Da Lat and Hoi An’s membership in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. At the same time, the new provincial government should establish an executive board to continue implementing international initiatives in accordance with the roadmap that the two cities of Da Lat and Hoi An have committed to.
The reorganization of administrative units is an opportunity for provinces and cities to rebuild their development vision, in which the cultural industry is a new pillar. This requires the synchronous participation of the government in strategic planning and coordination; close coordination of departments and branches; the accompaniment of the creative community, experts, investors; and the spreading role of the media...
If viewed as a “restructuring hand” of regional culture, the process of arranging and merging localities can completely promote the formation of strategic creative spaces - where the cultural industry not only preserves its identity but also becomes a driving force for growth and brand positioning in the era of global creativity.
Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Phuong
Director of Vietnam Institute of Culture, Arts, Sports and Tourism
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/khai-pha-suc-manh-van-hoa-post802622.html
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