HCM City, July 2, 2026 – The Europe Today: Vietnam on Thursday commemorated the 50th anniversary of the official renaming of Sài Gòn-Gia Định as Hồ Chí Minh City, with national leaders, diplomats, former officials and residents gathering to celebrate the city’s remarkable transformation over the past five decades and outline an ambitious vision for its future.
The ceremony marked 50 years since the National Assembly formally renamed the southern metropolis on July 2, 1976, following the reunification of the country. The event was attended by current and former Party and State leaders, former city officials, Heroic Vietnamese Mothers, revolutionary contributors, intellectuals and representatives of diplomatic missions.
In his keynote address, Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm described the renaming as far more than an administrative decision, calling it a profound expression of the Vietnamese people’s gratitude to President Hồ Chí Minh and recognition of the revolutionary traditions and sacrifices of the southern city.
He said that bearing the name Hồ Chí Minh City is both a great honour and a significant political, moral and historical responsibility, emphasizing that the city must continue to lead the nation in innovation, creativity, modernization and international integration while preserving its national identity and interests.
Reflecting on the city’s achievements over the past 50 years, Tô Lâm praised Hồ Chí Minh City’s evolution from a war-ravaged urban centre into Vietnam’s leading economic powerhouse and a major hub for finance, trade, science, technology and international cooperation.
He noted that the city remained the country’s largest contributor to the national budget in 2025, generating more than VNĐ800 trillion (approximately US$30.5 billion), and highlighted the development of industrial parks, high-tech zones, modern urban areas and major infrastructure projects.
The Party chief also pointed to the recent administrative merger with Bình Dương and Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu provinces, saying the expanded Hồ Chí Minh City, with a population exceeding 14 million, now possesses greater potential as a regional centre for finance, commerce, industry, technology, logistics, tourism and the marine economy.
Calling for bold reforms in governance, institutional development and infrastructure, Tô Lâm stressed that science, technology and innovation must drive future economic growth while improving people’s quality of life should remain the ultimate measure of development.
Hồ Chí Minh City Party Secretary Trần Lưu Quang described the city’s name as both a sacred honour and a lasting responsibility, saying it should inspire continued efforts to achieve stronger economic growth, more effective urban governance and better living standards following the recent territorial expansion.
Representing Vietnam’s younger generation, Dr Mai Ngọc Xuân Đạt of the Institute of Advanced Materials Technology expressed appreciation for previous generations whose contributions laid the foundation for the city’s progress. He said Hồ Chí Minh City’s growing innovation ecosystem has enabled young scientists to pursue advanced research and contribute to national development.
Speaking on behalf of city residents, Labour Hero and People’s Doctor Professor Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Phượng reflected on witnessing the city’s historic milestones from national reunification to its renaming in 1976. She said the city’s true strength lies not only in modern infrastructure but also in the dedication of millions of ordinary citizens committed to serving their community.
The ceremony also featured cultural performances showcasing Hồ Chí Minh City’s journey from post-war reconstruction to becoming Vietnam’s largest economic and cultural centre.
Concluding the celebrations, Tô Lâm called on the city to build on the achievements of the past five decades and strive for even greater accomplishments in the next half century.
“Hồ Chí Minh City has written a glorious chapter over the past 50 years,” he said. “The next 50 years must be greater, more beautiful, more worthy and more brilliant.”
