Hanoi: Ho Chi Minh City has significant potential to build a vibrant world-class night-time economy by making better use of its cultural industries, experts said.

According to Vietnam News Agency, the National Statistics Office reported that cultural industries contributed about 3.54% of the city's gross regional domestic product (GRDP) in 2020. This figure rose to around 5.7% in 2025 and is expected to continue growing.

Under its cultural industry development programme through 2030, the city will prioritise eight sectors where it already has strong advantages, including advertising, fashion, exhibitions, film, cultural tourism, performing arts, photography, and fine arts. Revenue from these sectors is expected to reach about 148 trillion VND (over 5.62 billion USD), with cultural industries contributing 7-8% of GRDP by 2030.

The night-time economy offers an ideal platform for these industries to grow. International experience shows that more than 70% of night-time economy revenue comes from cultural, entertainment, artistic, and food-related activities. This highlights the potential for Ho Chi Minh City to leverage its cultural assets to enhance its economic growth and global standing.