During a recent visit to Ho Chi Minh City Book Street in District 1, Nen was greatly impressed with the book bus model along with the book space featuring literature about Uncle Ho, adding that the area has helped to develop a lasting cultural space in the southern city.

Le Hoang, director of Ho Chi Minh City Book Street Company, said that over the past five years the book street has welcomed approximately 11.5 million visitors, with total revenue of VND181 billion, in addition to over three to five million copies of books being sold.

With roughly 20 events being held each week, the street has helped to form reading habits among children whilst creating a reading culture for Vietnamese people to enjoy, Hoang noted.

Nguyen Van Phuoc, director of First News Company - Tri Viet, pointed out that the site has not only attracted local residents, but also foreigners, a factor which is expected to become a cultural highlight for the future.

Phuoc therefore recommends that the southern city’s leaders take advantage of the book street in order to welcome international delegations of visitors and to inspire a reading culture locally.