The ceremony began with a special art program titled "Ho Chi Minh City - His Name Shines Forever," reviewing the historical milestones of the nation, depicting the journey from June 5, 1911, when young Nguyen Tat Thanh left Nha Rong Wharf to seek a way to save the country, to July 2, 1976, when Saigon-Gia Dinh was officially named after President Ho Chi Minh by the National Assembly.
In his address, General Secretary and President Lam applauded Ho Chi Minh City's achievements and outlined development orientations in the new period and six key tasks. They include building a clean Party and political system; fine-tuning institutions; developing infrastructure and planning; reforming the growth model based on science and technology and digital transformation; improving the quality of people's lives; and strengthening international integration while protecting national defense and security.
"Looking back over 50 years, we cannot be complacent with what has been achieved, but must move forward more vigorously in the new period. The country is stepping into a new era of development with higher demands, heavier tasks, greater opportunities, and more intense challenges. Ho Chi Minh City must integrate into that flow, be a dynamic player of that flow, continue to lead, pave the way, make breakthroughs, and spread influence," Mr. Lam said.
"The new Ho Chi Minh City possesses major advantages. It is a financial, commercial, and service urban center, a space for innovative technology industries, a gateway to seaports and logistics. Its boasts economy, tourism, energy, and a large, knowledgeable, and responsible workforce. Therefore, Ho Chi Minh City must be built into a strategic, multi-centered, multi-polar megacity with regional and international competitiveness."
Underscoring the city's responsibility to pioneer the nation's future in the new era, Ho Chi Minh City Party Secretary Tran Luu Quang said: “The title of Ho Chi Minh City is not only a reward from the past but also a reminder for the present and a commitment to the future. The city which bears the name of President Ho Chi Minh fulfills his aspirations and wishes. It should not only preserve that title but also make that noble title shine even brighter with new achievements, new values, and new contributions to development, contributing more to the overall achievements of the country.”
Party General Secretary and State President To Lam presented a statue of President Ho Chi Minh to the municipal Party Committee, government, and people.
Before attending the ceremony, General Secretary and President Lam and other leaders offered flowers in tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at the Ho Chi Minh Monument Park.
