Deputy PM describes Nguyen Dynasty archives as priceless

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam has described all archives kept at the National Archives Centre IV, based in Da Lat city of the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, as priceless assets of the nation.
Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam (third, right) examines the preservation of woodblocks from the Nguyen Dynasty at the National Archives Centre IV on December 20 (Photo: VNA)

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam (third, right) examines the preservation of woodblocks from the Nguyen Dynasty at the National Archives Centre IV on December 20 (Photo: VNA)

He made the remark while examining the preservation of woodblocks from the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945) – part of the Memory of the World Register – in Lam Dong on December 20.

Dang Thanh Tung, Director of the State Records and Archives Department of Vietnam under the Ministry of Home Affairs, said the National Archives Centre IV, established in 2006, is tasked with managing the woodblocks of the Nguyen Dynasty and other archives of the central and Central Highlands regions. It is currently preserving 34,619 woodblocks from the period.

The department has successfully applied modern techniques in cleaning up the woodblocks. It has also devised solutions to improve the preservation environment and archive restoration.

Pointing out difficulties in preserving the woodblocks, Tung said they are being kept in rooms designed for preserving paper, tape, and dish archives. Meanwhile, the volume of such items is substantial, which feature reverse carvings written in Han Nom (old Chinese-like characters of Vietnam), so it will take much time and effort to translate them.

Deputy PM Dam said that as these archives are priceless assets, it is necessary to step up publicising them for all to see.

He asked archivists to promptly digitalise the woodblocks and other archives. They should also pay attention to applying traditional preservation and restoration methods, aside from modern solutions, and invite experts and investors to the work.

The woodblocks of the Nguyen Dynasty helped to record official literature and history, as well as classical and historical books. They were included in the Memory of the World Register in 2009.

VNA

Other News

Vietnamese students shine at AIMO 2026 international finals

Vietnamese students shine at AIMO 2026 international finals

The Vietnamese team won one Champion title, four First Runner-up awards, three Second Runner-up awards, 42 gold medals, 83 silver medals, 70 bronze medals and two consolation prizes at the 2026 International Finals of the Asia International Mathematical Olympiad Open Contest (AIMO) held in Hanoi on August 2-5.

Politburo's Resolution 57-NQ/TW powers new growth momentum

Politburo's Resolution 57-NQ/TW powers new growth momentum

NSO Director Nguyen Thi Huong said alongside foreign investment and the green economy, science – technology, innovation, the digital economy and digital transformation are the new drivers that can can pack a serious second-half punch.

Vietnam’s poverty reduction miracle: A journey for the people

Vietnam’s poverty reduction miracle: A journey for the people

From a country where more than 50% of the population lived below the poverty line in the early 1990s, Vietnam has reduced its poverty rate to just 2.95% today. This achievement reflects not only the effectiveness of socio-economic development policies, but also Vietnam’s ability to translate growth into tangible opportunities for its people, steadily realizing inclusive development and ensuring that no one is left behind.

Can Tho boosts Vietnamese language support for ethnic minority children

Can Tho boosts Vietnamese language support for ethnic minority children

Backed by more than 4.2 billion VND (161,000 USD) from the State budget, the programme aims to strengthen children's Vietnamese communication skills before they begin primary school, helping them integrate more smoothly into the classroom and improve learning outcomes from the outset.

Powering growth: Ensuring reliable energy supply to keep investment flowing

Powering growth: Ensuring reliable energy supply to keep investment flowing

Across Ha Tinh and Nghe An, maintenance teams conduct inspections day and night, using thermal cameras and drones to detect potential faults without interrupting electricity supply. Their work helps ensure stable power supply for businesses as the region accelerates development in line with the Government's economic growth targets.

One Vietnamese worker killed in Japan earthquake

One Vietnamese worker killed in Japan earthquake

The Embassy of Vietnam in Japan and its labour management board are actively implementing citizen protection measures and maintaining close contact with relevant organisations and companies employing Vietnamese workers in the affected areas to monitor the situation.

Hanoi to support low-income residents in replacing high-emission motorbikes

Hanoi to support low-income residents in replacing high-emission motorbikes

A key task is to formulate a support scheme for low-income residents to replace ageing motorcycles and mopeds that fail to meet emission standards and pose a high risk of pollution. It will also propose funding to provide free first-time emission testing for motorcycles and mopeds across the city.

UNESCO endorses vision for restoring Thang Long Imperial Citadel's central axis

UNESCO endorses vision for restoring Thang Long Imperial Citadel's central axis

The committee commended Vietnam for fulfilling the commitments it has made since the citadel was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010, as well as for implementing recommendations from the committee and its advisory bodies. It also praised the country's efforts to preserve the site's cultural, historical and social values, transforming the imperial citadel into a space for public engagement, cultural exchange and historical education. The committee further welcomed the long-term vision as an important basis for the proposed restoration of Kinh Thien Palace in line with the approved conservation strategy.

Border guards seize 15,200 drug pills, heroin in major trafficking bust

Border guards seize 15,200 drug pills, heroin in major trafficking bust

At about 10:15 pm on July 20, officers from the Operations Division of the Nghe An Border Guard Command and the Nam Can International Border Gate Border Guard Station, in coordination with customs officers at the Nam Can International Border Gate, caught a resident of Tan Tien hamlet, Chieu Luu commune, Nghe An province, allegedly transporting narcotics in Tien Tieu hamlet, Nam Can commune.

Floods, landslides wreak havoc on northern mountainous region

Floods, landslides wreak havoc on northern mountainous region

Total economic losses were estimated at about 255 billion VND (nearly 9.7 million USD), with Lai Chau accounting for the largest share of the damage with 190 billion VND, followed by Son La with 46.04 billion VND, Lao Cai with 16.7 billion VND, and Dien Bien with 2.3 billion VND.