Sam Son undergoes transformation.

In the last days of October, Sam Son suddenly became bustling, as the coastal city had the honor of being chosen to host the 70th anniversary celebration of welcoming compatriots, cadres, soldiers, and students from the South who relocated to the North. These "special guests," who had set foot in Sam Son exactly seven decades ago, had the opportunity to return and witness firsthand the transformation of this land that had endured hardship but welcomed them with heartfelt affection.

The seaside square and festival landscape axis are becoming attractive destinations for tourists visiting Sam Son.

To commemorate the glorious historical milestone 70 years ago, with the attention of the Central Government, the province, and especially the Association of Former Students from the South who relocated to the North, a memorial site for the people, cadres, soldiers, and students from the South who relocated to the North (Cua Hoi, Quang Tien ward today) has been started construction. The highlight is the impressive "Relocation Ship" monument. For Sam Son in particular, and Thanh Hoa in general, this will also be a "red address" to educate the younger generation about the revolutionary traditions and the solidarity between the North and South. At the same time, it will be a place to "return" and remember an unforgettable historical moment for the generation of cadres, soldiers, people from the South who relocated, and especially the students from the South in the North.

For Sam Son, the historical event 70 years ago has become a milestone in its development, a proud "pillar" of the tradition of a land that is both arduous and heroic, full of hardship and compassion. From there, the Party Committee, government, and people of Sam Son today continue to strive to overcome all difficulties and challenges to rise strongly, becoming a promising young tourist city. From coastal fishing villages, Sam Son has now become a city directly under the provincial administration, a tourism center of the North. At the same time, it aims to become a smart, modern, attractive, and friendly coastal tourist city by 2030; and a leading unique entertainment and recreation tourist city in the country by 2045.

Throughout its development, especially in the last 10 years, Sam Son has achieved many impressive accomplishments. In particular, during the 2015-2020 period, the city proactively and creatively organized and implemented tasks, completing and exceeding 27 out of 30 key targets. The economy experienced high growth, averaging 16.8% per year; the value of production in 2020 was 4.73 times that of 2010; and capital mobilization for development in 2020 was 10.5 times that of 2010. Infrastructure has been invested in a comprehensive and modern manner. Several new urban areas and many large projects have been completed and put into use, changing the urban landscape. Sam Son has expanded both in administrative boundaries and development space, and has been recognized as a city directly under the provincial administration. Sam Son's tourism brand has been elevated and honored as one of the top 5 tourist destinations in Vietnam (in 2017). In 2023, the city welcomed nearly 8 million visitors, the highest number ever. From the beginning of 2024 to date, the city has welcomed 8.58 million visitors, an increase of 11.6% compared to the same period, achieving 100.9% of the plan; reaching 16.8 million visitor-days, an increase of 14.6% compared to the same period, achieving 102.1% of the plan; and revenue reaching VND 16,482 billion, an increase of 19.7% compared to the same period, achieving 104.8% of the plan.

From the beginning of 2024 to the present, state budget revenue is estimated at 2,054 billion VND, equivalent to 271% of the provincial budget estimate and 98% of the city People's Council budget estimate. The urban landscape continues to be transformed thanks to major projects being implemented. Many important projects have been completed and put into use, such as the seaside square project, the city's festival landscape axis; the SunWorld water park project; the new headquarters of the City Party Committee, City People's Council, City People's Committee, City Fatherland Front and other organizations, and many other important works. At the same time, the groundbreaking ceremony was held for several important projects such as the South Song Ma Boulevard (phase 2)...

Economic development has not only transformed the urban landscape but also contributed to improving the material and spiritual lives of the people. Social welfare policies have been fully and promptly implemented. The city currently has 400 poor households, accounting for 1.34%, and 762 near-poor households, accounting for 2.55%. Furthermore, national defense and security, as well as social order and safety, are ensured. Party building and the political system have seen positive progress...

Sam Son is a land with a rich cultural and historical tradition; a coastal tourist city with its own brand and identity, possessing many unique and outstanding tourism values. To effectively exploit this potential and outstanding advantages, the Standing Committee of the Thanh Hoa Provincial Party Committee issued Resolution No. 07-NQ/TU on the construction and development of Sam Son City until 2030, with a vision to 2045. The goal is to strive to develop Sam Son into a key national tourist city by 2030, an ideal destination for domestic and international tourists.

With the special guidance and attention of the province, the Party Committee and government of Sam Son City have been determined and resolute in their leadership and management to effectively implement the tasks and solutions outlined in Resolution No. 07-NQ/TU. This includes focusing on strengthening management and effectively implementing planning, building Sam Son City into a smart and modern urban area. Maximizing the potential and advantages to improve the quality of growth and competitiveness of the city's economy. Promoting administrative reform, significantly improving the investment and business environment; effectively carrying out land clearance, especially for large and key projects; attracting and efficiently utilizing resources for socio-economic development. Developing urban technical infrastructure and social infrastructure in conjunction with smart city development. Strengthening linkages with districts, towns, and cities within and outside the province, gradually expanding and improving the effectiveness of international cooperation. Focus on the comprehensive development of socio-cultural fields, ensuring harmony with economic development. Strengthen resource and environmental management, adapting to climate change. Ensure robust national defense and security, social order and safety, creating favorable conditions for socio-economic development. Concentrate on building a clean, strong, effective, and efficient Party and political system from the city level to the grassroots.

With the aforementioned tasks and solutions being implemented decisively, it is expected that by 2030, Sam Son will become a smart, modern, attractive, and friendly coastal tourist city; worthy of the patriotic tradition and deep affection that the people of the South living in the North have always bestowed upon this land.

Text and photos: Tran Hang

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/sam-son-doi-moi-228815.htm