President Luong Cuong confers the title of Heroic City on Hai Phong City on the occasion of the city's 70th anniversary of liberation. (Photo: Viet Cuong/VOV)

Highlighting the significance of the liberation of Hai Phong, the President spoke highly of the remarkable achievements, outcomes, and substantial contributions made by the local Party organisation, authorities, people, and armed forces in the past struggle for national independence, as well as in the current nation building, development, safeguarding and renewal cause.

President Luong Cuong speaks at the ceremony. (Photo: Viet Cuong/VOV)

The President said in the coming period, building on the solid foundation and significant achievements, Hai Phong has a tremendous opportunity to become a leading city in the country in the cause of industrialization and modernization, standing shoulder to shoulder with prominent cities in Asia, and accompanying the whole nation in confidently entering a new era of strong development and prosperity.

The President said: "Hai Phong needs to continue unlocking and maximizing available social resources to become a hub for education and training, health care, and science-technology in the northern coastal region. The city also needs to address existing difficulties and obstacles to accelerate economic development and restructure the economy towards modernity and sustainability, reform administrative procedures, and improve the business investment environment towards international standards in economic cooperation and development."
The leader also urged the northern port city to continue focusing on implementing three strategic breakthroughs, with particular emphasis on developing transportation infrastructure, establishing new urban areas, industrial parks, service zones, and tourism destinations, thus attracting more investment and improving the material and spiritual lives of the people.
Following the ceremony was a special art program featuring Hai Phong's 70-year journey.