This important seminar aimed to implement one of the tasks in Politburo Resolution 23 on developing literature and arts in the new period.

In his opening speech, Chairman of the Council, Professor Dr Nguyen Hong Vinh, highlighted the literary and artistic achievements over 25 years of national Doi Moi (Renewal) and international integration, which has helped raise the overall level of public general knowledge. However, Vinh said there are few works of much value produced on art and literary theory and criticism, while there are also still shortcomings and weaknesses in literature and the arts, which are failing to match the orientations for developing modern Vietnamese literature and arts imbued with national identity.

President Sang said the Council should find solutions to change Vietnamese arts and literature in the context of its global integration. The Council needs to organize more seminars to promote frank exchanges on current literary and artistic issues in the country and publish a special magazine for this field, he said.

Mr Sang also asked Council members to propose appropriate practical measures to boost the development of literature and the arts as well as national development.