HCM City marks 50 years named after President Ho Chi Minh, enters new era of growth

The event, to be held at the Reunification Hall, is attended by incumbent and former leaders of the Party and State, generations of city leaders, representatives of ministries, agencies and localities, as well as a large number of residents.

Before the ceremony, delegates offer flowers in tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his statue in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, honouring the late leader's lifelong contributions to Vietnam's national liberation, reunification and development.

From Saigon–Gia Dinh to Ho Chi Minh City

On July 2, 1976, at its first session, Vietnam's sixth National Assembly decided to rename Saigon–Gia Dinh as Ho Chi Minh City.

The decision came just over a year after national reunification and marked one of the country's most significant post-war milestones. It reflected the Vietnamese people's respect and gratitude for President Ho Chi Minh while ushering in a new chapter in the city's development.

Over the past five decades, Ho Chi Minh City has evolved into Vietnam's largest economic, financial, commercial, scientific and technological centre, while playing a leading role in innovation and international integration.

The city has consistently been the country's key growth engine, making significant contributions to the national budget, attracting foreign direct investment and expanding economic partnerships with countries and territories around the world.

The anniversary provides an opportunity not only to reflect on the city's achievements over the past half-century but also to reaffirm its commitment to building a modern, dynamic and globally connected metropolis capable of driving Vietnam's future development.

A larger metropolis for a new stage of development

The anniversary comes at a pivotal moment for Ho Chi Minh City following a major administrative restructuring that officially took effect on July 1, 2025.

Under a resolution of the National Assembly, the city was expanded through the merger of Ho Chi Minh City with former Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau provinces, creating a significantly larger metropolitan area.

The expanded city now covers more than 6,772 square kilometers and is home to over 14 million people, making it Vietnam's most populous locality and the country's largest economic centre.

Administratively, Ho Chi Minh City currently comprises 168 commune-level administrative units, including 113 wards, 54 communes and one special administrative zone, operating under the two-tier local government model.

Over the years, Ho Chi Minh City has contributed roughly one-quarter of Vietnam's gross domestic product and around one-third of total state budget revenue. It also leads the country in foreign direct investment attraction, the number of operating enterprises and import-export turnover.

The enlarged metropolis is expected to unlock new growth opportunities by combining the comparative strengths of its three former localities.

Ho Chi Minh City serves as Vietnam's leading financial, commercial, services and innovation centre; Binh Duong is among the country's largest industrial and manufacturing hubs; while Ba Ria–Vung Tau offers strategic advantages in deep-water ports, logistics, energy and the marine economy.

Together, they are expected to form a new growth pole for both the southeastern region of Vietnam and the national economy.

Building an international financial and innovation hub

Ho Chi Minh City is positioning itself to become Vietnam's international financial centre, with the ambition of serving regional and global markets.

The financial centre, which made its debut in February 2026, is expected to strengthen the city's capacity to attract international capital, expand modern financial services, foster innovation and enhance Vietnam's overall economic competitiveness.

At the same time, Ho Chi Minh City continues to host Vietnam's most developed innovation ecosystem, supported by high-tech parks, research institutes, universities and technology enterprises.

The city also serves as one of Vietnam's principal international gateways, with an extensive network of seaports, airports and logistics infrastructure linking the Southeast region, the Mekong Delta and global markets.

Following the administrative expansion, the city's development space now stretches from its urban core to industrial zones, international seaports and coastal tourism destinations, creating new opportunities for green growth, the digital economy, the marine economy and global supply chains.

Historic landmarks trace Ho Chi Minh City’s long history and transformation

VOV.VN - As Ho Chi Minh City marks 50 years of bearing the name of President Ho Chi Minh, many historic landmarks continue to highlight the city’s long history and transformation over the centuries.