Ho Chi Minh City inaugurates Friendship Garden

The program was jointly organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations and Phu An Ward authorities.

Nguyen Loc Ha, a member of the standing board of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee and permanent vice-chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, attended the event along with current and former leaders of various city agencies and organizations.

International guests included representatives from the consulates general of Cuba, China, Thailand, Belarus, and other diplomatic missions, international organizations, and foreign-invested enterprises in the city.

Many local residents and businesses also took part in the event.

The tree-planting campaign and inauguration ceremony for the ‘Friendship Garden’ in Phu An Ward were held to commemorate the 136th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh (May 19, 1890 – May 19, 2026) while also marking the 50th anniversary of Saigon-Gia Dinh officially being renamed Ho Chi Minh City.

The event was also part of a broader campaign to plant one million trees, contributing to green urban development, sustainable growth, and stronger international friendship and solidarity.

Ha Thanh, chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations, said the ‘Friendship Garden’ is not only a green project but also a vivid symbol of solidarity, cooperation, and close ties between the people of Ho Chi Minh City and international friends.

She added that the participation of the consulates general, organizations, businesses, and international partners helped spread the message of building a greener and more sustainable future.

During the ceremony, delegates planted the first 50 trees out of a total of 200 trees donated to the ward.

The remaining trees will continue to be planted across various areas in Phu An Ward to expand green spaces.

Delegates also participated in a 'zero-dong market,' donating shopping vouchers to disadvantaged families so they could choose essential goods, helping promote the spirit of sharing and social welfare support.