*** The southern province of An Giang held a meeting at the An Giang Stadium on April 30 to commemorate Southern Liberation and National Re-unification Day, the 120^th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s birthday and the 6^th local sports festival.

Lam Minh Chieu, chairman of the An Giang provincial People’s Committee delivered a speech, reviewing the historical significance of the April 30 event which he said has gone down in history as one of the most brilliant historical moments and the bright symbol of revolutionary heroism and human intelligence in the 20^th century.

Since liberation, An Giang has made significant progress in socio-economic development, boasting GDP growth rate of 8.6 percent and an annual average income per capita of VND17.6 million in 2009. It is considered one of the four key economic provinces in the Mekong Delta.

The province has also organised a series of activities, including a flower parade on the main streets, and talks on the great April 30 victory and Ho Chi Minh’s thought.

*** Tien Giang province also held a display of more than 150 images and items under the theme of “the Spring Campaign 1975”, a photo contest, concerts, mobile film screenings,  a fireworks display and many other activities.

*** Phu Quoc island district in Kien Giang province organised a meeting with the participation of Professor Vu Van Hien, a member of the Party Central Committee and general director of Radio the Voice of Vietnam.

Despite facing a number of difficulties as it is located far from the mainland, Phu Quoc has upheld the revolutionary tradition and has developed the district into a popular tourist destination. Its GDP growth rate reached over 21 percent while the annual average income per capita hit US$1,700 last year.

*** Addressing the meeting in Bac Lieu, Vo Van Dung, chairman of the provincial People’s Committee said the great victory on April 30 was a significant landmark because the provincial armed forced and people quickly took over the administrative offices of the enemy. Since liberation, Bac Lieu has developed into a more prosperous province.