Vietnam unveiled its National Exhibition of Achievements this week, a landmark event commemorating 80 years of independence while highlighting the nation’s ambitions for the future. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh described the exhibition as a tribute to the country’s past and a statement of its aspirations, underscoring patriotism, national pride, and a commitment to international stature.
The opening ceremony at the new National Exhibition Centre in Hanoi was attended by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Party General Secretary To Lam, and other senior officials. Spanning 90 hectares, the complex includes 304,000 m² of indoor exhibition space, 200,000 m² of outdoor areas, and three international-standard conference halls capable of hosting 5,000 delegates each. With its scale and investment, the centre ranks among the world’s top ten national exhibition venues.
Scale, Innovation, and Cultural Storytelling
The architectural highlight is a 56-metre-high steel dome, 360 metres in diameter and weighing 24,000 tonnes, fully designed and assembled in Vietnam. Its turtle-shell-inspired form pays homage to the legendary Golden Turtle of Vietnamese folklore. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh praised the remarkable speed of construction, completed in just ten months by over 1,000 engineers and workers, surpassing the originally planned two-year timeline. He positioned the centre as part of Hanoi’s broader vision to become a “civilised, cultured and modern” capital with smart urban planning and global integration.
Described as the country’s most ambitious exhibition, the event unites 28 ministries and central agencies, 34 provinces and cities, and over 110 major corporations, with more than 230 booths. Nearly 180 industries are represented, ranging from agriculture, trade, and education to health, culture, defence, diplomacy, and environmental protection. Traditional crafts and OCOP products are prominently featured. Modern technologies—including 3D models, virtual and augmented reality, multimedia installations, and AI—create interactive visitor experiences.
Global Recognition and Lasting Legacy
Specialised zones showcase different aspects of national development. Highlights include the ’95 Years Under the Party’s Banner’ zone tracing modern historical milestones; ‘Vietnam–Country–People’, celebrating the nation’s cultural and artistic diversity; and ‘Economic Locomotives’, emphasising state-owned enterprises’ contributions. Private sector achievements are displayed in the ‘Nation-Building Entrepreneurship’ zone, while ‘Aspiration for the Sky’ focuses on aerospace research. Defence and security achievements are presented in the ‘Sword and Shield’ zone, featuring modern domestically produced equipment. A dedicated cultural building, ‘Culture Illuminates the Nation’, celebrates traditions across all 54 ethnic groups.
Both foreign and domestic participants expressed admiration. Germany’s Defence Attaché in Hanoi, Lieutenant Colonel Ingo Krüger, described the exhibition as “very impressive,” noting its modern infrastructure and extensive military displays. Vietnamese military and police personnel highlighted the opportunity to present innovations ranging from air-defence systems to digital policing technologies, with units showcasing products designed for both defence and public service.
Local visitors also expressed pride in the exhibition. Hoang Van Bay, an 82-year-old resident who donated land for the centre, reflected on the country’s transformation and the exhibition’s inspiring atmosphere.
By combining scale, design, technology, and cultural storytelling, the National Exhibition of Achievements aims to be more than a temporary showcase. Organisers intend it as a lasting symbol of Vietnam’s journey; linking past, present, and future; and a projection of a nation confident in its heritage and developmental trajectory.
Written By:
*Dr Iqbal Survé
Past chairman of the BRICS Business Council and co-chairman of the BRICS Media Forum and the BRNN
*Cole Jackson
Lead Associate at BRICS+ Consulting Group
Chinese & South American Specialist
**The Views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Independent Media or IOL.
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