As Vietnam gears up to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the reunification of the country, Ho Chi Minh City is at the forefront of the festivities, showcasing a blend of cultural, historical, and diplomatic milestones. With a series of events planned, the city is not only reflecting on its past but also setting ambitious goals for its future.
On April 4, 2025, the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported a varied weather pattern across Vietnam. In the North and North Central regions, residents can expect chilly mornings with fog, followed by sunny afternoons. Meanwhile, the South will experience hot sunny days with showers and thunderstorms expected in the evening. Low-lying areas near the coast and rivers in the Southeast region may face flooding during the evening and night.
As part of the celebrations, Ho Chi Minh City will host a grand parade on April 30, 2025, marking the significant historical event of the country’s reunification. This parade is set to commence at 6:30 AM, with various military and civilian participants showcasing their pride and heritage. The parade route will begin at the intersection of Le Duan and Nguyen Binh Khiem streets, moving past the main stage in front of the Reunification Hall. After the parade, participants will disperse in four directions, allowing citizens and tourists to observe from multiple vantage points along major roads in District 1.
In addition to the parade, Colonel Tran Van Trung announced on April 10, 2025, that the city will host a spectacular fireworks display to celebrate this milestone. Fireworks will be launched at 30 locations across the city, including two high-altitude sites: the Saigon River Tunnel area in Thu Duc City and the Ben Duoc Memorial. This marks one of the most extensive fireworks displays in the city’s history, with the show scheduled for April 30 from 9:00 PM to 9:15 PM, following earlier high-altitude displays on April 19 and April 26.
Amidst these celebrations, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Foreign Affairs organized a scientific conference on April 11, 2025, titled “Ho Chi Minh City - 50 Years of Implementing Vietnam's Foreign Policy.” Vo Van Hoan, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, emphasized the significance of this event as a platform to review the city’s diplomatic journey over the past five decades. He noted that in 1985, during a time when the country was still under a centrally planned economy, Ho Chi Minh City boldly welcomed nearly 70 US businessmen to explore investment opportunities. This pioneering move symbolized a shift towards a proactive foreign policy, laying the groundwork for the city’s future international collaborations.
Over the years, Ho Chi Minh City has established friendly cooperative relations with 58 localities worldwide and has become an active participant in numerous international organizations, including CityNet, C40, LUCI, and the World Cities Summit. Vo Van Hoan remarked, “Ho Chi Minh City has continuously affirmed its role as a leader in implementing the foreign policy of the Party at the local level.” This includes innovative economic models and initiatives that foster international cooperation, cultural exchanges, and investment opportunities.
Looking ahead, Ho Chi Minh City aims to enhance its foreign affairs strategy by 2030, with a vision extending to 2045. The focus will be on sustainable development, adapting to global trends, and creating new values. The city aspires to be a hub for international initiatives, a meeting point for innovative cities, and a beacon of modern Vietnamese culture.
As the city prepares for these significant events, the emphasis on foreign relations has never been clearer. The local government recognizes that diplomacy is increasingly becoming a vital pillar in the socio-economic development of Ho Chi Minh City. This is evident in the city’s ongoing partnerships with cities like Vientiane, Champasak, Phnom Penh, Busan, Osaka, Lyon, and Rotterdam, which highlight the depth and significance of local diplomatic relations.
In a broader context, the upcoming celebrations are not just a look back at Vietnam’s historical milestones but also a forward-looking statement about the nation’s aspirations. As Ho Chi Minh City continues to evolve, its role as a center for international exchange and cooperation will undoubtedly play a crucial part in shaping its future.
In summary, the 50th anniversary of Vietnam's reunification is set to be a grand occasion in Ho Chi Minh City, featuring a parade, fireworks, and a reflection on the city’s diplomatic achievements. As the city prepares to honor its past, it also embraces a future filled with opportunities for growth and international collaboration.
