Accordingly, based on the proposal of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Submission No. 591/TTr-BVHTTDL (dated December 18, 2025), which requests permission to prepare scientific dossiers for the intangible cultural heritage of “Pho” and “Water Puppetry” for UNESCO inscription, and the concurring opinions of the People’s Committees of Ninh Binh (Official Letter No. 199/UBND-VP6, dated October 1, 2025), Hung Yen (Official Letter No. 1896/UBND-KGVX, dated October 1, 2025) and Hai Phong (Official Letter No. 2596/UBND-VX, dated October 11, 2025), Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh issued the following instructions:
Regarding the intangible cultural heritage of “Pho”: Approval is granted in principle for the preparation of a scientific dossier for inscription on UNESCO’s List. The People’s Committee of Ha Noi, in coordination with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the People’s Committee of Ninh Binh Province, and other localities where the heritage is practised by communities, is assigned to take the lead in compiling the scientific dossier and carrying out related tasks, procedures, and formalities, ensuring thoroughness and strict compliance with legal regulations.
Regarding the intangible cultural heritage of “Water Puppetry”: Approval is granted in principle for the preparation of a scientific dossier for inscription on UNESCO’s List. The People’s Committee of Ha Noi, in coordination with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the People’s Committee of Hai Phong City, the People’s Committee of Hung Yen Province, and other localities with practising communities, is assigned to take the lead in compiling the scientific dossier and carrying out related tasks, procedures, and formalities, ensuring thoroughness and compliance with legal regulations.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, within its assigned functions and responsibilities, is tasked with coordinating with and providing guidance to the People’s Committee of Ha Noi and relevant agencies and localities in the preparation of the scientific dossiers for intangible cultural heritage to be proposed for inscription on UNESCO’s Lists, in strict accordance with the law on cultural heritage and other relevant legislation. The dossiers must ensure quality; meet UNESCO’s requirements, criteria, and related regulations; and promptly report to competent authorities regarding any issues beyond its remit.
