A grand ceremony celebrating the 62nd anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory, which ended French colonial rule in the country, was held in Dien Bien Phu city in the northwestern province of Dien Bien on May 7.

President Tran Dai Quang was present at the celebration, along with representatives from ministries, sectors, the provincial People’s Committee and Council, war veterans and a crowd of local residents.

In his speech at the event Vice Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Mua A Son recalled historical milestones of the Dien Bien Phu 56-day campaign which resounded throughout the five continents and was world-shaking.

President Tran Dai Quang attending the ceremony

He expressed gratitude to late President Ho Chi Minh and late General Vo Nguyen Giap, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Vietnam People's Army, for their roles in the triumph at Dien Bien Phu. He also offered heartfelt thanks to the war heroes who sacrificed their lives for the victory.

Son highlighted Dien Bien’s socio-economic achievements over the 30-year renewal (Doi moi) process.

According to Son, the local economy has recorded stable growth between 2010-2015, with average growth hitting 9.11 percent a year in the period. Per capita income in 2015 reached 23.6 million VND, up 1.89 times over 2010.

Infrastructure facilities in Dien Bien have been upgraded, while the living standard of locals has been improved remarkably, he stressed, adding that the locality’s political stability and security and defence are ensured.

The local authorities have also paid heed to promoting foreign relations and international integration, which are expected to help foster the locality’s economic growth in the coming time, Son stressed.

On behalf the Party and State, President Tran Dai Quang presented the Labour Order, first class to Dien Bien province in recognition of the local Party Organisation’s and authorities’ contributions to the bidding of the bidding of the Son La hydro-power plant.

Earlier the same day, Vietnamese leaders led by President Tran Dai Quang offered incense to war heroes resting at the A1 Hill Cemetery in the locality.

The Dien Bien Phu Victory on May 7, 1954 is considered to be a glorious “golden milestone” in the history of the struggle of the Vietnamese people against foreign aggressors. It marked the complete collapse of old colonialism all over the world, paving the way for the movement of rising up to struggle for national liberation in colonial countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Source: VNA