Firework set off nationwide on New Years' Eve

The country welcomed the Year of the Tiger with splendid shows of fireworks  in 64 provinces and cities and all good wishes for a Happy New  Year.

Although it was rainy in Hanoi on New Year’s Eve but tens of thousands people flocked to Hoan Kiem Lake ( Sword Lake ) to enjoy firework and art performances.

In Ho Chi Minh City dwellers comed into crowed in seven centers around the city to enjoy fireworks. But the biggest crowd was on Saigon River banks where firework was set off from Phu My Bridge which is the longest and highest in the city and opened to traffic several months ago.

Meanwhile central ancient city of Hoi An held launching ceremony of the Lantern  Festival. The world’s cultural heritage-city on Hoai River banks glittered in lantern light. Every lantern looked like a diamond enclosed to mossy and poetic Hoi An. The festival lasts to the fifteenth day of the first lunar month.

After firework performance, President Nguyen Minh Triet sent New Year greetings to the people via Vietnam Television. 

“As the Year of the Tiger is coming, I send best wishes to all people, comrades and soldiers in all regions of the country as well as those who are living and studying abroad,” said State President Nguyen Minh Triet.

In a New Year greeting letter sent to people nationwide on the Lunar New Year’s Eve on February 13, State President Triet said that over the past year, thanks to concerted efforts by the whole Party, army and people, Vietnam has gradually overcome negative impacts of the global financial and economic crisis as well as consequences of the natural disasters and diseases to obtain great achievements in all aspects, especially politics, socio-economics, culture, security and defence.

The position of Vietnam has been improved in the international arena, he said, adding that those successes once again affirm the strength of the national great unity bloc and the sound policies of the Party and State as well as the internal strengths of the country.

“The Vietnamese State and people thank the friendship and practical cooperation of countries and international organisations and will try their best for the prosperity and development of nations throughout the world,” he said.

2010 is the last year to implement the five-year National Plan (2006-2010) and is also the year when the country will carry out Party congresses at all levels in preparation for the 11th National Party Congress scheduled for 2011.

This is also a year that has many important events, including the 80 th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the 65 th birthday of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the 1,000 th anniversary of the Thang Long-Hanoi, the 120 th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh and 35 years of southern liberation and national reunification. 

Therefore, the country must mobilise all resources to successfully implement all objectives set out at the 10 th National Party Congress and the 12 th National Assembly, President Triet said. 

“The whole Party, army and people strengthen solidarity and join efforts, we are certainly successful,” the State leader concluded.