Hanoi (VNA) – A delegation of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) led by Deputy Minister Ho An Phong had a working session with city leaders in Los Angeles, California, on September 25, part of a series of Vietnamese tourism and film promotion activities in the US.
Local officials at the event included Los Angeles Deputy Mayor of International Affairs Erin Bromaghim, Executive Officer in the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office An Tran, Director of International Events Daniel Rodman, and Director of International Relations Wajenda Chambeshi.
Phong highlighted the sound Vietnam - US cooperation, with a recent milestone being the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2023, creating favourable conditions for fostering collaboration in multiple areas.
He said many important milestones have been recorded in bilateral connections in culture, sports and tourism, helping deepen mutual understanding between the two peoples and contribute to regional and global peace, stability, cooperation, and sustainable development.
The official said the City of Los Angeles is an attractive tourist destination as well as the hub of film and entertainment industries in the world. It has undertaken a host of activities with Vietnamese ministries, sectors, and localities.
In particular, the city is home to many Vietnamese people, he went on, adding that the Vietnamese Party and State view overseas Vietnamese as an integral part of the nation, and also appreciate their contributions to the homeland.
He emphasised the potential and advantage for tourism and film partnerships between the two sides, stating that there remains much room for them to develop cooperation in these fields.
Given this, Phong proposed the local administration pay attention to enhancing ties with Vietnam, including the MCST, in cultural and tourism affairs.
He expressed his hope that with its rich experience in developing cultural industries and the film economy, Los Angeles will assist with the implementation of Vietnam’s creative cities plan in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
He called for assistance to be firstly given to Ho Chi Minh City to compile a dossier seeking the status of a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of film. The dossier is set to be submitted in 2025.
Representing the Los Angeles administration, Director of International Events Daniel Rodman considered the MCST delegation’s visit as a chance for the two sides to foster deeper collaboration.
He revealed that his city is also planning to open direct air routes to Vietnamese cities. LA is also hosting the 2028 Summer Olympics, which is an opportunity for Los Angeles to welcome visitors from around the globe. This also represents a chance to expand ties with cities in Vietnam.
Phong said he expects to welcome several Hollywood film studios to survey destinations for film production and tourism in Vietnam for 2025. Such trips will be an occasion for the two sides to explore further cooperation opportunities to the benefit of both parties./.
