Da Nang hosted the talk ‘Da Nang’s 25-year Journey: Achievements and Prospects’ on Tuesday morning to mark the 25^th anniversary of its recognition as centrally-governed city (January 1, 1997-2022).

State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc (right), and Secretary of the Da Nang Party Committee Nguyen Van Quang (left) attending the event

The event was co-chaired by Politburo member and State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Secretary of the Da Nang Party Committee cum Head of the municipal National Assembly Deputies’ delegation Nguyen Van Quang, municipal Party Committee Deputy Secretary cum People's Council Chairman Luong Nguyen Minh Triet, Party Committee Deputy Secretary cum People's Committee Chairman Le Trung Chinh, and Chairman of the municipal Fatherland Front Committee Ngo Xuan Thang.

Also, member of the Party Central Committee, Chairman of the President's Office Le Khanh Hai, representatives from central and local ministries and branches, leaders of the Da Nang-based Military Zone 5, and the city’s former leaders over historical periods made their attendance at the event.

State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc (centre), Secretary of the Da Nang Party Committee Nguyen Van Quang (second left), municipal Party Committee Deputy Secretary Luong Nguyen Minh Triet (second right), municipal People's Committee Chairman Le Trung Chinh (first left), and Chairman of the municipal Fatherland Front Committee Ngo Xuan Thang (first right) co-chaired the talk.

Da Nang always receives the companionship of the national government during its construction and development process

In his opening speech delivered at the talk, Secretary Quang remarked after Quang Nam-Da Nang Province was officially divided into the 2 administrative divisions of Quang Nam Province and Da Nang in early 1997, Da Nang entered a new development stage.

In the midst of many difficulties, the Party, government and people of Da Nang made unremitting efforts to overcome all challenges in parallel with taking advantage of the close and timely leadership and direction of the national government, and active support from other localities, to promote the city’s growth.

During that challenging time, each cadre, Party member and citizen of the city upheld the revolutionary tradition, solidarity and bravery to gain numerous comprehensive achievements in all aspects, especially during the development of urban and social infrastructure.

Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Nguyen Van Quang delivering his opening speech at the talk

On July 15, 2003, Da Nang was recognised as a national-level first-grade city. In order to help Da Nang have breakthrough mechanisms for long-term and sustainable development, the Politburo issued Resolution No. 33-NQ/TW dated October 16, 2003 regarding the construction and development of Da Nang in the period of national industrialization and modernization. All opened up new opportunities for the city to develop it into a political-economic hub and a driving force to boost the progress of the Central Viet Nam and Central Highlands.

Da Nang is among the most developed localities in Viet Nam. Its average growth rate of gross regional domestic product (GRDP) during the 1997-2021 period is about 9% per year. GRDP’s per capita income is now more than 15 times higher than that in 1997. Industries and products with competitive advantages and high technology have received special attention from city authorities.

The urban appearance has changed in the direction of civilization and modernity. Many key and large-scale projects have been put into operation. Urban space has expanded more than 3.5 times compared to 1997.

The number of streets in the city has been increased to more than 2,300 in 2021 from 360 in 1997. Many practical programmes like '5 No's, 3 Yes's' and 'City of 4 Safe’ have ensured social welfare and enhanced the living standards of the local residents.

Over the past 25 years, the city has focused on Party building and rectification work, as well as ensuring the defense and security, thereby making it a reliable destination for domestic and international friends. The prestige and position of the city has been increasingly affirmed.

However, the city cannot avoid mistakes and shortcomings during its construction and development process. The city has seriously reviewed, learned from experience, and overcome shortcomings and limitations with the spirit of facing and overcoming difficulties and challenges.

The city Part chief Quang affirmed that the city’s proud achievements over the past 25 years were mainly attributed to the great efforts of generations of leaders, officials, Party members, and people of Da Nang, as well as the leadership and active support from the Politburo, the Secretariat, the National Assembly, the National Government, and the national committees, ministries and branches.

During its 25-year development journey, Da Nang has learned many lessons about Party building and rectification work; democracy promotion, strength of unity, and pioneering and exemplary character of the leaders; taking advantage of the support of the Central Government, and putting the interests of the people and the State first and foremost, and promoting the strength of the people and the business community.

The talk in progress

The city wishes to receive many suggestions to realize its aspiration

Under the Resolution No. 43-NQ/TW dated January 24, 2019 adopted by the Politburo on building and developing Da Nang by 2030, with a vision towards 2045, in the 2021-2030 period, Da Nang’s average annual growth rate of GRDP will be over 12%. By 2030, per capita GRDP at current prices will have reached around $8,700. By 2045, Da Nang will become a large, ecological and smart city, a center for innovative startups, and an Asia-level livable coastal city.

Secretary Quang frankly said that the international and regional situations are now changing rapidly, especially in light of complicated and unpredictable developments of COVID-19 that has been affecting all aspects of socio-economic life of the city, and the country as a whole.

He also pointed out the fact that Da Nang still faced many big challenges. In particular, the city’s economy has experienced slower growth in recent years. The scale of the economy has been not commensurate with the city’s potential, opportunities and competitive advantages. Also, the economic structure has revealed inappropriate points which are clearly reflected due to the impact of COVID-19.

In addition, a huge obstacle that has lasted for many years but has not been able to be completely solved due to exceeding its authority, is the problems in the implementation of inspection conclusions and judgment related to the field of land, investment and construction in the city.

Therefore, Mr Quang highlighted the importance of the talk to give the city the opportunity to listen to the constructive opinions and suggestions rising from former leaders of the city over historical periods, scientists, and distinguished guests.

Towards the big goals set out in the Politburo’s Resolution No. 43-NQ/TW

Da Nang People's Committee Chairman Le Trung Chinh speaking at the talk

In his remarks at the talk, Da Nang People's Committee Chairman Le Trung Chinh said that over the past 25 years, the city's economy has developed comprehensively. Its GRDP average growth rate during the 1997-2020 period was about 8.9% per year. Notably, the city’s economic structure has gradually shifted in the right direction.

Also, a synchronous urban infrastructure system has been developed. Importance has been attached to promoting the development of culture, education, healthcare, and science and technology sectors, as well as attracting such important resources as finance, land and human resources for the city’s growth.

Chairman Chinh expressed his hope that the city will receive the comments and constructive opinions from delegates in order to better clarify the city’s achievements and results over the past 25 years, and drive the city’s growth in the coming time.

The focus should be on the construction and rectification of the Party, and solutions to turn the city into a large, ecological and smart city, a center for innovative startups, and an Asia-level livable coastal city.

Reporting by NGOC PHU, LAM PHUONG - Translating by M.DUNG