VOV.VN - Party General Secretary and State President To Lam on July 2 called for Ho Chi Minh City to transform into a strategic mega-city with regional and international competitiveness, saying the city must continue serving as Vietnam’s leading growth engine while living up to the responsibility of bearing President Ho Chi Minh’s name.
Addressing a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the former Saigon–Gia Dinh officially being renamed Ho Chi Minh City, he said carrying President Ho Chi Minh’s name is not only a profound honour but also a unique political, historical and moral responsibility, requiring the city to remain at the forefront of reform, innovation and national development.
Reflecting on the National Assembly’s decision on July 2, 1976 to rename Saigon–Gia Dinh after President Ho Chi Minh, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam described the move as a profound expression of the Vietnamese people’s gratitude to the late leader and a recognition of the city’s historic role in the country’s struggle for national independence and reunification.
He paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh, revolutionary predecessors, fallen heroes, Heroic Vietnamese Mothers, soldiers and citizens who sacrificed for the nation's independence, reunification and the development of Ho Chi Minh City.
The top leader noted that the city is not only Vietnam’s largest economic centre but also the place where President Ho Chi Minh embarked on his journey to seek national independence from Nha Rong Wharf more than a century ago, making it a location of exceptional historical significance.
“Over the past 50 years, the name Ho Chi Minh City has become more than a symbol of pride; it has become a benchmark for development,” he said. “A city bearing President Ho Chi Minh's name must lead the nation in innovation, and remain dynamic yet disciplined, modern yet people-centred, prosperous yet compassionate.”
Party General Secretary and State President To Lam highlighted that Ho Chi Minh City has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past five decades, evolving from a war-affected urban area into Vietnam’s leading centre for finance, commerce, services, science, technology, health care and education.
He praised the city for pioneering reforms and encouraging a spirit of innovation, describing it as a place willing to think differently, act boldly and take responsibility. Many policy initiatives first piloted in the city, he said, have later been adopted nationwide.
The city also remained Vietnam's largest contributor to the state budget in 2025, generating more than VND800 trillion (about US$30.6 billion) in budget revenue.
Alongside economic development, the top leader highlighted the city's rapidly changing urban landscape, citing the expansion of new urban areas, high-tech parks, industrial zones and modern infrastructure. He described the operation of Metro Line No. 1 linking Ben Thanh Market and Suoi Tien as a milestone in the development of sustainable urban transport.
Following the expansion of Ho Chi Minh City’s administrative boundaries, which took effect in July 2025 through the merger with the former Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau provinces, the city now enjoys greater advantages in manufacturing, logistics, the marine economy, energy, tourism and innovation.
The expanded development space should enable Ho Chi Minh City to evolve into a multi-center, globally competitive megacity while strengthening its role as Vietnam's key growth engine, according to the top leader.
He urged the city to accelerate institutional reforms, improve governance and remove longstanding bottlenecks, stressing that clearly identified tasks should be implemented without delay.
“Correct policies must not be delayed in reaching people's lives, and enormous potential must not be held back by outdated ways of thinking and working,” he reminded.
The Party General Secretary and State President outlined six strategic priorities for the city’s next phase of development.
The first is to strengthen Party building and improve the effectiveness of the political system while developing a highly capable, accountable and ethical public administration and continuing efforts to combat corruption, wastefulness and misconduct.
He also called for more effective use of the special policy mechanisms granted by the central government, particularly to advance administrative reform, digital transformation, public services and the investment climate. At the same time, Ho Chi Minh City should proactively propose breakthrough policies to support the development of the International Financial Centre, foster innovation and attract high-quality talent.
Urban planning should focus on a green, smart and multi-centre development model with stronger regional connectivity. Infrastructure investment should prioritise urban railways, ring roads, expressways, logistics networks, digital infrastructure and public green spaces.
The city was also urged to accelerate its transition toward a knowledge-based economy driven by science and technology, digital transformation, green growth and the data economy, while expanding strategic sectors such as international finance, high-tech manufacturing, the marine economy, tourism and cultural industries.
The top leader stressed that improving people’s quality of life should remain the ultimate measure of development, with greater access to housing, health care, education, transportation and a better living environment.
He also emphasised the need to safeguard national defence, security and social order while ensuring that Ho Chi Minh City is an open, dynamic and sustainable international metropolis.
Concluding his address, the top leader underscored that Ho Chi Minh City has written a proud chapter over the past half-century and must now embark on an even more ambitious journey.
“With its tradition of solidarity, dynamism, creativity and compassion, together with the Party's leadership and the support of the entire nation, Ho Chi Minh City will continue to rise and remain worthy of bearing the sacred name of President Ho Chi Minh,” he said.
VOV.VN - Ho Chi Minh City is to hold a grand ceremony on July 2 marking the 50th anniversary of Saigon–Gia Dinh officially being renamed after President Ho Chi Minh (July 2, 1976–2026).
VOV.VN - Singapore-based United Overseas Bank (UOB) has expressed interest in expanding its investment and business operations in Ho Chi Minh City, while participating in the development of Vietnam’s International Financial Centre in the city (VIFC-HCMC), viewing Vietnam as a strategic market in its ASEAN portfolio.
Ho Chi Minh City has evolved into Vietnam’s leading economic and cultural hub, driven not only by economic growth and global integration but also by the formation of an open, diverse urban identity rooted in cultural convergence.
VOV.VN - As Ho Chi Minh City marks 50 years of bearing the name of President Ho Chi Minh, many historic landmarks continue to highlight the city’s long history and transformation over the centuries.
VOV.VN - Party General Secretary and State President To Lam attended a ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City on July 2, marking the 50th anniversary of the former Saigon–Gia Dinh officially being renamed after President Ho Chi Minh.
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