Within the framework of the Program to Promote Vietnamese Tourism and Cinema in the US, on September 25 (local time), a delegation from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MOCST), led by Deputy Minister Ho An Phong, met and worked with the Los Angeles City government (California, USA).
At the meeting, Deputy Minister Ho An Phong emphasized that the Vietnam-US bilateral relationship is developing well, especially after the two countries established a Strategic Partnership in 2023, opening up many opportunities for cooperation in various fields, including culture, sports and tourism.
He also mentioned President Joe Biden's visit to Vietnam last September, further affirming important cooperation contents between the two countries.
Deputy Minister Ho An Phong assessed that Los Angeles is one of the attractive tourist destinations and the center of the global film and entertainment industry. This city also has many Vietnamese people living and regularly supporting their homeland. He affirmed that the Party and State of Vietnam always consider the overseas Vietnamese community an inseparable part of the nation, recognizing their valuable contributions.
In order to promote the tourism and cinema potential between the two sides, Deputy Minister Ho An Phong suggested that the Los Angeles government promote cooperation with Vietnam in general and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in particular in the fields of culture and tourism.
The Deputy Minister proposed stronger connections and early direct flights between major cities in Vietnam and Los Angeles.
He also hopes that the city will share its experience in developing the cultural and film industry, and support Vietnam in implementing the Vietnam Creative Cities Network Project in the UNESCO Creative Cities system.
The immediate goal is to help Ho Chi Minh City build a profile to become a creative city of cinema. This profile is expected to be submitted in 2025.
The Deputy Minister also introduced a series of activities to promote Vietnamese tourism and cinema in Los Angeles, taking place at the DGA Theater on September 25, and a working session with Warner Bros. on September 26. He hoped that the Los Angeles government would participate and pay attention to these events.
The Los Angeles government expressed its agreement to promote cooperation in the fields of culture, sports and tourism.
Mr. Daniel Rodman, Head of the International Events Department of the Los Angeles government, affirmed that the visit of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is an opportunity to promote cooperation between the two sides and emphasized that Los Angeles should be considered a partner with Vietnam.
“The city is also planning to promote direct flights to Vietnamese cities. Hosting the 2028 Olympics is an opportunity for the city to welcome international visitors from around the world and this is also an opportunity to expand cooperation with Vietnamese cities,” he said.
Deputy Minister Ho An Phong said that in 2025, Vietnam plans to welcome Hollywood film studios to survey filming locations and tourism services in Vietnam, opening up opportunities for deeper cooperation between the two countries in the film industry. He also invited the leaders of Los Angeles City to visit Vietnam in the near future.
