Diplomatic bridges
From international stages to overseas tours by Hai Phong artists, cultural diplomacy is connecting the city with friends around the world.
Bringing Hai Phong culture to the world
Since late August, artists from the Hai Phong Traditional Theater have been on a working trip to Poland, taking part in a series of activities organized by the Vietnamese Embassy and the Vietnamese Community in Poland. A cultural and culinary exchange program in the capital city of Warsaw provided a space for Vietnamese people living far from home to reconnect with familiar images of their homeland.
Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy, Director of the Hai Phong Traditional Theater, said these tours not only provide the artists with an opportunity to bring traditional arts closer to audiences but also serve as a way to spread the traditional culture of Vietnam in general and Hai Phong in particular.
Not only do art troupes take part in cultural exchange programs in other countries, but Hai Phong also actively welcomes diverse international cultures. The 2026 Hai Phong Red Flamboyant Festival featured performances by Chinese and Korean art troupes, bringing new experiences to audiences.
“Watching foreign artists perform helps me better understand the cultures of other countries. Through these performances, foreign artists also gain a better understanding of our city. This activity helps promote the city's image while improving people's spiritual lives,” said Nguyen Van Loc, a resident of Le Thanh Nghi Ward, after watching artists from the Bujihwa Art Troupe of South Korea perform for the first time at a cultural exchange program held at the walking street and night market in the ward.
A development resource
Hai Phong currently has friendship and twinning relations with 31 localities around the world. The city has organized and participated in numerous international music and art exchange activities; hosted the ASEAN Music Festival; taken part in art festivals in China, Thailand, Russia and Taiwan; and organized many activities for overseas Vietnamese communities.
Cultural exchange programs show that the value of cultural diplomacy lies not only in moments on stage but also in its ability to build understanding, goodwill and trust, thereby opening the way for cooperation in tourism, trade, investment and other fields.
The Hai Phong People's Committee has recently issued a plan to implement the Prime Minister's Decision No. 1306/QD-TTg on the Strategy for External Cultural Relations in the city. The plan identifies external cultural relations as a task for the entire political system, aimed at promoting Hai Phong's “soft power.”
Accordingly, external cultural relations not only promote the image of Hai Phong's land and people but also contribute to building trust, enhancing the city's position, attracting cooperation and promoting investment. International exchanges also help the city selectively absorb the quintessence of human culture. Cultural diplomacy is being viewed as a development resource.
THANH HOA