Foreign cultural centers operating in Vietnam would have to observe Vietnamese laws as well as the country’s customs, practices and culture, according to a draft decree, recently revealed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to replace Decree No. 18 issued in 2001.
Accordingly, the draft decree, with 25 articles arranged in five chapters, applies to foreign not-for-profit cultural centers established in Vietnam, whether under the commitments between the Vietnamese Government and other countries’ governments or commitments to which Vietnam is a contracting party.
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| Foreign cultural centers would be allowed to organize cultural activities such as friendly parties, exhibitions, art performances, drama and movie showing, etc.__Photo: Internet |
During their operation in Vietnam, foreign cultural centers could organize cultural activities such as friendly parties, exhibitions, art performances, drama and movie showing, composition contests, festivals and events, among others; roundtable conferences, workshops, speeches on cultural issues; clubs, composition camps in the field of culture and arts; and training courses in culture, arts, cuisine and foreign languages.
Under the draft decree, such cultural centers would not be allowed to let any individuals or organizations use their names or facilities to organize activities infringing upon the national interests.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism would take responsibility for performing the state management of operation of such foreign cultural centers, and branches or representative offices of foreign cultural establishments in Vietnam; and their activities in the fields of culture, sports, tourism and family.
Once this draft decree is approved, foreign cultural centers which are established or operating in Vietnam would be required to carry out the re-registration procedures within 90 days after its effective date in order to be granted new registration certificates and licenses.- (VLLF)
