Attending the seminar include former Prime Minister Phan Van Khai, former President Nguyen Minh Triet, Secretary of HCMC Party’s Committee Le Thanh Hai, Vice Secretary Vo Van Thuong, Chairman of HCMC People’s Committee Le Hoang Quan and representatives central ministries, departments, leaders of cities and provinces, socio-economic components, ethnic groups and religions, etc.

125 presentations of researchers, managers, etc, tabled at the seminar focusing on causes, achievements and limitations of HCMC after 40 years.

On an opening speech, Chairwoman of HCMC People’s Council Nguyen Thi Quyet Tam stressed that the seminar aims to affirm big achievements in construction and protection of HCMC, making active changes in social lives, contributing to common achievements of the whole country.

At the seminar, many reports presented include: HCMC – a driving force in construction and development of the country as well as in the process of modernization, industrialization, an economic-cultural-commercial-scientific center of the whole country and Southeast Asia; HCMC’s role in improvement of market economic mechanisms and socialist orientations; roles of people in economic development; creation – a spiritual and traditional value; HCMC – a driving force and development; bringing into play strength of national solidarity to build HCMC a modern, civilized city, contributing to development of the country.

The seminar also pointed out special causes and lessons as well as solutions for difficulties and limitations of HCMC including economic competitiveness; planning, management and urban development; frequent flooding; traffic congestion; traffic accidents; quality of human resource; overloaded hospitals, food safety and hygiene; administrative procedures, etc.

Addressing at the seminar, Mr. Le Thanh Hai said that The Party, authority and people of HCMC always uphold glorious revolutionary traditions to build, protect and develop the city, improving people’s welfares; grasping thoroughly and making efforts in implementing new policies of the Party; making HCMC a special city and an economic, cultural, educational, scientific center, a hub for international integration, a driving force for Southern key economic zone.

Mr. Hai emphasized that HCMC always be aware of its role, position of the whole country. It is a responsibility of the Party and entire political system of HCMC to overcome difficulties and challenges, bringing into play revolutionary traditions, strengthening solidarity to be deserved the Uncle Ho named city.