The ceremony was also attended by incumbent and former Party and State leaders, senior government officials, diplomats, religious dignitaries, overseas Vietnamese representatives and international guests.

Among those in attendance were former Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh; former State Presidents Nguyen Minh Triet and Truong Tan Sang; former Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung; National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man; Permanent Member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu; and Ho Chi Minh City Party Secretary Tran Luu Quang.

The programme featured a commemorative art performance, an anniversary address by the city Party chief, speeches by representatives of Ho Chi Minh City’s citizens and younger generation, and remarks by General Secretary and State President To Lam.

On July 2, 1976, during its first session, Vietnam’s sixth National Assembly officially approved the renaming of Saigon–Gia Dinh as Ho Chi Minh City, honouring President Ho Chi Minh and marking a new chapter in the city's development following national reunification in 1975.

Over the past five decades, Ho Chi Minh City has grown into Vietnam's leading economic, financial, commercial, scientific and technological hub, while continuing to strengthen its role as the country's key engine of growth.

Before the ceremony, General Secretary and State President To Lam led a delegation of Party and State leaders in offering incense and flowers in tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his statue in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, paying respect to the late leader's enduring contributions to Vietnam’ss independence, reunification and development.

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

VOV.VN - Ho Chi Minh City is to hold a grand ceremony on July 2 marking the 50th anniversary of Saigon–Gia Dinh officially being renamed after President Ho Chi Minh (July 2, 1976–2026).