Hanoi seeks more French assistance in cultural, historical conservation

The authorities of Hanoi hope to seek further support from French partners in the preservation of cultural values, said the director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports Do Dinh Hong on April 14.

The old French mansion on the 49th of Tran Hung Dao Street in Hoan Kiem District is under renovation work. Photo: The Hanoi Times

Hong suggested that the French localities further promote the people and values of Hanoi to their people, and introduce opportunities for economic cooperation and cultural development in Vietnam’s capital city.

The Hanoi official also recommended that the French authorities share experiences with the city, and join exhibitions and meetings to enhance the development of creative spaces in France and Hanoi.

Hong also urged the two sides to improve cooperation in education and training, and research and development, and adopt digital solutions in the cultural industry.

In regard to local tourism sites such as the Hanoi Museum, the Hoa Lo Prison relic, and creative spaces, the culture director welcomed the provision of materials and support from French partners to enrich the contents and better serve visitors.

In his part, Toulouse vice mayor Jean-Claude Dardelet said that the French city will continue to side with Hanoi to further preserve heritages and cultural traits, which may bring the two nations together, and facilitate sustainable development for the people.

He believed that Vietnam and France share alike visions and thoughts on heritage conservation and sustainable travel on expectations that the cultural industry will improve living standards for the people and give a boost to both economies.

Under the partnerships with French localities, Hanoi has made remarkable progress in the last 34 years towards the conservation of cultures and heritages, Hong told a workshop during the 12^th Vietnam-France Decentralization Cooperation Conference.

Hanoi had its first partnership agreement realized with the Ile-de-France Region in 1989. This was also the first local-to-local cooperation between Vietnam and France.

When Hanoi first initiated the plan to get Thang Long Imperial Citadel approved as a world heritage, the government of the Ile-de-France Region sent specialists to assist the city with the development of the heritage management plan, design of ticket posts, and information counters to serve visitors.

The workshop discussed the preservation of heritages and cultural traits in Hanoi on April 14. Photo: Nam Nguyen

The French locality also provided feedback on Hanoi’s development plan for the Co Loa Citadel, and organized training for officials of the Thang Long-Hanoi Heritage Preservation Center and the Management unit of the Duong Lam Ancient Village.

Other projects involving the authorities of the Ile-de-France Region include the preservation of the Temple of Literature, the renovation of the old mansion on the 49^th of Tran Hung Dao Street, and the showcase of Hanoi photos in Paris.

In 1996, Hanoi and Toulouse agreed to join efforts in heritage preservation. The two sides have worked on several activities such as the renovation of the traditional house on the 87^th of Ma May Street, and the conservation of Dong Lac Village Temple.

Preserving activities have been expanded to other fields under the guidance and support of the French authorities, including the French Embassy in Vietnam and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Since 2017, French specialists have helped the Vietnamese develop brand kits for the Hanoi Museum, the Hoa Lo Prison relic, and the Temple of Literature, and initiate programs on the exchange of arts and cultures between the two nations.

In October 2019, Hanoi became a member city of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network. Since then, the capital city has welcomed the assistance of French cities, which are also members of the network, to implement its initiatives and commitments.