The Hanoi People's Council on July 10 approved a resolution on the organization and operation of cultural industry centers in the capital, introducing a range of preferential policies to support their development.

The resolution is issued in accordance with Clause 7, Article 21 of the 2024 Capital Law.

It defines the authority, procedures, organizational structure, management measures, and incentive policies for the establishment and operation of cultural industry centers in Hanoi.

According to the resolution, a cultural industry center is an entity established by state agencies, enterprises, organizations, or individuals.

It must be located within a defined geographical boundary and operate in the cultural industry sector, providing infrastructure and support services for the production and business of cultural products and for building a creative ecosystem.

The resolution emphasizes that the formation and operation of such centers must balance preservation and development. They should promote the unique cultural values and traditions of the capital while ensuring cultural diversity and equality.

Plans to establish cultural industry centers along the Red River's floodplains or in other culturally strategic locations must align with the capital's master plan, flood control planning, and other related regulations.

The resolution also allows for controlled trial implementation of innovative technologies, products, services, or business models within cultural industry centers.

These trials will be conducted within defined spatial and temporal limits and with selected participants to assess feasibility and impact before any wider application.

Cultural industry centers must include designated areas for production and business activities, supporting services, and shared working spaces. They must also provide infrastructure to encourage start-ups and nurture businesses in the cultural industries.

Plans must also be in place to support artists, artisans, and cultural practitioners in their creative, performance, and production activities.

Where applicable, centers must protect and promote cultural heritage, while ensuring public safety, order, and environmental protection.

The city also introduced several incentives and support mechanisms for the development of cultural industry centers.

These include land planning and allocation, priority funding for infrastructure upgrades, and mobilizing investment resources to develop the centers through direct allocation, transfer of rights, or leasing.

Public assets may be repurposed into new creative cultural spaces to support the growth of these centers.

Specifically, cultural industry centers and related businesses are eligible for investment incentives under Article 43 of the 2024 Capital Law.

They may also be considered for land and water surface rental exemptions or reductions, or enjoy land rental waivers under laws promoting socialization.

In cases where public property is leased to establish a center, investors may deduct land rental fees from facility rental costs if those costs already include land use fees.

They may be exempt from paying facility rent for up to three years after establishment and receive a 50% rent reduction for an additional three years.

Businesses, organizations, and individuals operating within these centers will receive financial support to participate in the city's investment, trade, and tourism promotion programs.

They will also receive media and communication support to promote their services and products.

Additionally, the city will support human resource development in cultural industries through training programs and provide assistance for creative start-ups via funding schemes and incubators in accordance with municipal regulations.