The 10-day event features theheroic struggle of local residents in the two revolutionary wars and theachievements made the city in its new stage.
Speakingat the ceremony, Chairman of Hai Phong municipal People's Committee LeVan Thanh declared the city one of the pioneers of reform.
A number of strategic initiatives have been implemented in the city,including the Hai Phong International Port and Cat Bi InternationalAirport, to stimulate economic development, Thanh said.
Looking forward, Hai Phong aims to create a more favourable businessclimate to lure domestic and international investment, he added.
The festival opened with many prominent events including drumperformances, dragon dances and colourful parades involving thousands ofresidents and performers.
Art performances by domestic and internationally-renowned artists and firework displays were highlights of the event.
A number of sports and street dances were also part of the festival.-VNA