Mr Nghi made the remarks at a grand meeting in Hanoi on August 31 to mark the 62^nd anniversary of the August 1945 Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2). 

He said that the most valuable lesson of the August Revolution is that the Party and President Ho Chi Minh brought into full play the patriotic tradition and people’s aspiration for national independence, successfully built the bloc of great national unity, seize the opportunity and rose up in time to wrest back power.

Upholding the tradition of the August Revolution, Mr Nghi said over the past 62 years, the entire Party, army and people of Vietnam have overcome numerous difficulties and challenges to gain many great victories. Worthy of note are the resounding victories of the two protracted resistance wars against old and neo-colonialism culminating in national reunification and socialist construction. They also recorded significant achievements in the cause of national construction and development, especially during the Doi Moi (Renewal) process over the past 20 years.

To promote the spirit of the August Revolution, the capital city of Hanoi has since early this year launched many patriotic emulation movements to fulfil socio-economic development targets adopted at the 14^th municipal Party Congress. It has focused on accelerating administrative reform, restoring order in urban construction and management, carrying out socialisation activities, stepping up the fight against corruption and wastefulness, and settling people’s complaints and petitions.

Thanks to the strong determination and great efforts of the entire municipal Party and people, the city has made considerable achievements in the Doi Moi (Renewal) and industrialisation and modernisation process. Many socio-economic targets have been fulfilled or surpassed. Political security, social order and safety have been maintained while the fight against corruption and wastefulness has achieved initial results. Significant progress has been made in cultural, education and training, and sci-tech development. The physical and spiritual lives of municipal people have improved greatly.

Mr Nghi noted that the campaign of “Following and Studying President Ho Chi Minh’s moral example” launched by Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh has received a warm response from officials, Party members and people of Hanoi. The campaign has helped create positive changes in the views and activities of Party organisations, administrations and individuals.

He called on the entire Hanoi City Party Committee, administration and people to strive for a GDP growth rate of 12 percent.  

Taking the floor, Tran Van Quang, a veteran revolutionary, said he is proud of the country’s achievements during the Renewal process and expressed his wish that younger Vietnamese generations will continue to uphold the national tradition to devote their strength and energy to the nation.

On behalf of the youth, a representative of the Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Group expressed his gratitude for the predecessors’ sacrifices in the struggle for national independence and freedom and vowed to study and work harder to make practical contributions to the nation.