General Secretary and State President To Lam said Ho Chi Minh City has written a glorious chapter over the past five decades and must now move forward with an even greater vision for the next 50 years.
Speaking at the ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of Sai Gon, Gia Dinh officially being named Ho Chi Minh City on July 2, 1976, Mr. To Lam recalled that the sixth National Assembly adopted the resolution to rename the city on July 2, 1976. He said the decision was more than an administrative event. It reflected the Vietnamese people's deep gratitude to President Ho Chi Minh and recognized Sai Gon, Gia Dinh's proud revolutionary tradition in the struggle for national liberation and reunification.
The General Secretary and State President noted that 115 years ago, the young patriot Nguyen Tat Thanh departed from Nha Rong Wharf to seek a path for national salvation, beginning the historic journey that ultimately led Vietnam to independence.
For generations of Vietnamese people, Nha Rong Wharf has remained a place of profound historical significance. It was from this city that President Ho Chi Minh began his journey. More than six decades later, the same city was liberated, reunified with the nation and honored with his name.
General Secretary and State President To Lam speaks at the anniversary ceremony.
Mr. To Lam said that even during the years when the country was temporarily divided, people across Vietnam held an unwavering belief that the South would one day be liberated and the country reunited, allowing the southern city to proudly bear the name of Ho Chi Minh.
"Today, 50 years later, we understand more clearly than ever that the city's name is not only a source of historical pride. It is also a responsibility for the present and the future. It is not simply an honorable title, but a standard that challenges the city to continuously improve and strive for greater achievements," he said.
He said Ho Chi Minh City has consistently been one of the country's pioneers throughout nearly four decades of economic reform, demonstrating the courage to innovate, take responsibility and contribute to the development of the Communist Party's reform policies.
The city has firmly established itself as Vietnam's leading economic engine and a major center for finance, trade, services, science and technology, education, healthcare, culture, foreign affairs and international integration. In 2025, it again led the country in state budget revenue, collecting more than US$30.6 billion.
The city has also cultivated a distinctive identity characterized by openness, inclusiveness, generosity, compassion and creativity.
"In difficult times, the city has shown greater compassion. In times of challenge, it has demonstrated stronger solidarity. In periods of uncertainty, it has displayed remarkable resilience," To Lam said.
General Secretary and State President To Lam greets delegates attending the ceremony.
He also praised Ho Chi Minh City's efforts to support low income residents, people with meritorious service, workers, migrant laborers and communities affected by natural disasters and disease outbreaks, saying these initiatives reflect the city's deep humanitarian values.
Six priorities for building a strategic mega city
Mr. To Lam said the recent administrative restructuring has significantly expanded Ho Chi Minh City's development space by bringing together important strengths, including its role as an urban, financial, commercial and service center, its industrial, technological and innovation capacity, its seaports, logistics network, marine economy, tourism and energy potential, as well as its highly skilled and socially responsible workforce.
He said the city must be developed into a strategic mega city with multiple urban centers and growth poles that can compete regionally and internationally.
Looking ahead, he called on the city's Party organization, authorities and residents to focus on six key priorities.
First, he said Ho Chi Minh City should build a clean, strong and united political system that serves the people effectively. Officials should demonstrate political integrity, modern development thinking, high ethical standards and strong implementation capacity. Personal accountability, particularly among leaders, should be strengthened while corruption, waste and misconduct are tackled. Officials who act boldly for the common good should also be protected.
Second, the city should turn its special institutional mechanisms into measurable development results through completed projects, improved public services, a more attractive investment environment and a higher quality of life. It should continue leading administrative reform, digital governance and the development of new policies for a special urban area, an international financial center, digital transformation, green transition and talent attraction.
Third, Ho Chi Minh City should pursue a modern, green and smart multi center urban model with stronger links to the Southeast region, the Mekong Delta, the Central Highlands and international markets. Infrastructure development should stay ahead of demand, with priority given to public transport, urban railways, expressways, seaports, logistics, digital infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing, flood prevention and green spaces.
Delegates attend the ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of Ho Chi Minh City officially bearing President Ho Chi Minh's name.
Fourth, To Lam called for a stronger growth model driven by science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, the green economy, the circular economy and the data economy. He also urged the city to develop an international financial center, high technology industries, logistics, the marine economy, tourism and cultural industries while creating conditions for private enterprises and start-ups to thrive.
Fifth, he stressed that improving people's quality of life should remain the highest priority and the most meaningful measure of development. Residents should benefit from better living conditions, transportation, housing, education, healthcare and cultural services.
Sixth, he said Ho Chi Minh City should strengthen its role as a dynamic and responsible center for international integration while maintaining national defense, public security, social order, economic security, cyber security, data security, urban security and human security.
Party Chief and President To Lam concluded by saying, "Over the past 50 years, Ho Chi Minh City has written a glorious chapter in its history. Over the next 50 years, it must write a new chapter that is greater, better, more worthy and even more remarkable."
He expressed confidence that Ho Chi Minh City will continue to rise as a modern, civilized and compassionate metropolis where the name of Ho Chi Minh shines ever more brightly through its achievements, culture, people, aspirations and sense of responsibility to the nation.
Vietnamnet.vn
Podcast
.svg){kind=icon}
