HCM City (VNA) - A vibrant series of events was launched in Ho Chi Minh City on June 27 to mark 327 years since the founding of Saigon – Cho Lon – Gia Dinh – Ho Chi Minh City (1698–2025), and 49 years since the city was officially named after President Ho Chi Minh (July 2, 1976–2025).
Organised by the municipal People’s Committee, the celebration runs through July 1, featuring southern traditional music performances, water puppetry, folk games, photo and video exhibitions on the city’s development, as well as displays of modern agricultural models and OCOP products.
These activities aim to highlight the city’s achievements in development, urban safety, cultural preservation, social welfare, and its contributions to national efforts such as the new rural development programme.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Van Dung noted that with 327 years of history and over three decades of renewal, Ho Chi Minh City has become Vietnam’s leading economic, financial, trade, and service centre, and a regional growth engine. The celebration, he said, was an opportunity to reflect on the city’s dynamic legacy and promote its vision as a modern, innovative, liveable metropolis.
Dung also highlighted the city’s transformational role in shaping a future megacity hub in southern Vietnam, forming a tri-polar economic zone with Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau. Thu Duc city is being positioned as a new international financial centre, linked by a smart urban corridor connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Di An, Thuan An, Thu Dau Mot, Ben Cat, Phu My and Ba Ria–Vung Tau.
The region is also expected to see the development of a smart, AI-driven seaport and logistics complex in Cai Mep–Thi Vai–Can Gio, and a high-end eco-tourism zone.
At the event, delegates visited an exhibition on the historical development of Saigon – Gia Dinh – Ho Chi Minh City and rural development products from the city.
The opening ceremony concluded with an art performance themed “For a clean, green, environmentally friendly city”, featuring popular local artists and aligning with the 2025 Month of Action for the Environment.
The event also included the presentation of the 5th Ho Chi Minh City Environment Awards and the recognition of 50 exemplary communes, wards and towns for their achievements to become clean, green and environmentally friendly./.
