Implementing Politburo Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW, Dak Lak province is focusing on effectively harnessing the strength of culture and bringing cultural values of Central Highlands to the international stage.

Over recent years, Dak Lak province has thoroughly implemented the Party’s guidelines and policies, together with the State’s policies on external relations and cultural diplomacy. Notably, annual cultural and artistic exchanges with neighbouring countries and international partners have been maintained and strengthened.

These include the “Bridge of Friendship” artistic exchange programme with Mondulkiri province (Cambodia), held annually from 2023 to 2025, and the “Song of Friendship” programme in Lao provinces, including Sekong in 2022, Salavan in 2024 and Champasak in 2025, with an exchange with Attapeu province planned for 2026.

Artists from Jeollabuk-do (Republic of Korea) performing at the street festival as part of the Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival.

In addition, international cooperation in heritage conservation has been strengthened. A notable example is the project on preserving and promoting gong culture, funded by the Jeollabuk-do International Cooperation Centre of the Republic of Korea. The project has not only contributed to preserving the Central Highlands gong cultural space, but has also been directly linked to tourism development, improving the spiritual and material well-being of local ethnic minority communities while contributing to local socio-economic development.

The province has also strengthened international friendship and leveraged cultural diplomacy through the successful organisation of the Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival on nine occasions. In particular, the 9th festival in 2025 attracted more than 250,000 visitors, including around 1,800 international visitors and 28 international delegations, generating more than 85 billion VND in tourism revenue.

Building on this success, the province is expediting the finalisation of the plan for the 10th Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival in 2027. A key focus will be deepening cultural diplomacy through a street festival featuring artistic delegations from Laos, Cambodia, the Republic of Korea, France and coffee-producing countries.

New impetus from Resolution No. 59

Politburo Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW dated January 24, 2025, sets out the requirement for “proactive, comprehensive, effective and substantive integration” while identifying external relations as a spearhead for enhancing the country’s overall strength.

The “Deepening Border Friendship” exchange programme between Dak Lak province (Vietnam) and Mondulkiri province (Cambodia), held as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of Vietnamese literature and arts since national reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025).

To realise this goal, the province is aligning cultural diplomacy with socio-economic development, international integration and the consolidation of national defence and security, while effectively implementing resolutions and plans under the strategy for external cultural relations and cultural diplomacy.

Alongside promoting the image of Dak Lak, the unique heritage values of 45 ethnic groups as well as the global brand of “Buon Ma Thuot Coffee”, the province aims to selectively absorb the cultural quintessence of humanity, thereby enriching local cultural identity. It will also continue to organise cultural, artistic and sporting activities, exhibitions and international exchanges, while stepping up efforts to welcome international delegations visiting Dak Lak.

Simultaneously, the province will strengthen connections with overseas Vietnamese, particularly intellectuals, artists and cultural figures, to promote the image of Dak Lak; diversify communication channels and apply technology to promote the province’s cultural values through external relations events.

Translated by KHUONG THAO