80 years of growth and development

These days, we feel as if we are reliving the heroic atmosphere of the August Revolution of 1945. This momentous, swift, and spirited revolution, led by our Party and President Ho Chi Minh, created a great turning point in the history of our nation, ushering our people into a new era - the era of national independence linked with socialism.

From a state of slavery, our people became masters of their own country. This is a victory of epochal significance, affirming the nation's position in the flow of modern world history.

For the past 80 years, the words of President Ho Chi Minh, "We are determined to dedicate all our spirit and strength, our lives and property, to safeguard that freedom and independence," have always been etched in the hearts of every Vietnamese citizen, along with the aspiration to bring the country "to stand shoulder to shoulder with the great powers of the world." The lesson of harnessing the strength of national unity, arousing the power of patriotism, and fostering a spirit of collective effort and solidarity, has always resonated deeply.

In the journey of upholding national independence and advancing the country, the Party Committee and people of Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City fought tenaciously, leading the way in two wars of resistance against foreign invaders, always dynamic, creative, daring to take the lead, accepting challenges, and always striving for the glorious mission of "for the whole country, together with the whole country".

For 30 years, operating right in the heart of the enemy's stronghold, the Party Committee faced a great challenge: a protracted and fierce battle of courage, a test of its fortitude and wisdom to survive among the people and fulfill its leadership role. Although the Party Committee suffered significant losses at times, the struggle movement directly led by the Party was promptly consolidated and developed, leaving a strong mark in the historic Ho Chi Minh Campaign of 1975.

In the era of national reunification, the reforms and development since liberation have marked the maturity and positive contributions of the Party Committee and people of the city in preserving revolutionary achievements, restoring and developing the economy under conditions of blockade, embargo, border wars at both ends of the country, and the barriers of an outdated system.

Ho Chi Minh City has pioneered the testing of new models, proposed new economic mechanisms and policies, launched major movements and campaigns, and created momentum for progress. The vibrant experience of Ho Chi Minh City has helped shape the Party's reform guidelines and legal policies, creating a new phase of development, enabling the country to overcome the crisis and transform from a poor, underdeveloped nation into a middle-income developing country.

Ho Chi Minh City has always upheld the spirit of self-reliance and innovation, contributing to building an independent and self-reliant economy, actively integrating into the international community, and striving to play a leading role as a growth engine for the Southern Key Economic Region and the entire country. The city has mobilized all resources to care for all aspects of people's lives, built a social security system, and created great consensus among the people on building a city with a high quality of life, that is civilized, modern, and compassionate.

Today, in the face of new circumstances and development opportunities, the demands for rapid and sustainable development, and the advantages, opportunities, and challenges, the Party Committee, government, and people of Ho Chi Minh City, more than ever, will leverage the strength of great unity, working together to create a new transformation, bringing the city to develop in a way that lives up to its heroic traditions and the pride of bearing the name of beloved President Ho Chi Minh.

In the operation of the two-tiered local government model, the Party Committee and the government of Ho Chi Minh City place special emphasis on the capacity of officials and civil servants to serve the people. The large scale, significant authority, and heavy workload, including many tasks requiring deep expertise, inevitably present initial difficulties and pressures due to overload. However, with humility, attentiveness, and a willingness to learn, the team operating the system will certainly build empathy and good relationships with the people, and effectively carry out the tasks entrusted to them by the people.

The immense responsibility of being the economic engine, of a world-class "megacity," demands that Ho Chi Minh City move forward rapidly; continue to make significant contributions to the creation of mechanisms and policies; decisively implement key, breakthrough programs… decided by the Party Congress; and contribute to glorifying its glorious traditions and realizing the ambitious goals of the 100-year period.

With its rich traditions and outstanding strengths, Ho Chi Minh City – a place that embodies excellence, dynamism, creativity, abundant potential and resources, and imbued with a spirit of righteousness and compassion – will undoubtedly accelerate its development with miraculous power in this era of national resurgence.

PHAM PHUONG THAO

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/80-nam-vuon-minh-phat-trien-post809033.html