“80 years – the journey of independence, freedom, and happiness”: A message of sustainable development and integration in a new era
After more than two weeks open to the public at the Vietnam Exhibition Center (Dong Anh district, Hanoi), the exhibition “80 years – the journey of independence, freedom, and happiness” has attracted millions of visitors. As a major political and cultural event, the exhibition retraces Vietnam’s proud journey from the declaration of independence in 1945 to the present day, while affirming the country’s remarkable achievements in nation-building and development.
An unprecedented scale, attracting millions of visitors
The exhibition officially opened on 28/08/2025 and was organized by the ministry of culture, sports and tourism in coordination with various ministries, sectors, localities, and enterprises, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of national day (2/9/1945 – 2/9/2025). Covering a total exhibition area of nearly 260,000 m², the event brought together 28 ministries and central agencies, 34 localities, and more than 110 major corporations and enterprises.
More than 230 exhibition booths were arranged by thematic clusters, offering a comprehensive overview of the country’s development across different historical periods. From industry, agriculture, trade, science and technology to culture, education, healthcare, national defense, security, and foreign affairs, the exhibition presents a vivid yet cohesive picture of Vietnam’s internal strength and its evolving position on the international stage.
From the very first days, the exhibition became a prominent cultural and social destination in the capital. According to the organizing committee, after 19 days of opening, the exhibition welcomed over 10 million visitors, with a record peak of nearly 1.3 million visitors on 13/09. In response to strong public interest and support, the exhibition was extended by an additional 10 days, closing on the evening of 15/09 instead of the originally scheduled 05/09.
The exhibition showcases achievements from nearly 180 industries across fields including industry, agriculture, trade, investment, culture, science and technology, education, healthcare, environment, national defense, security, foreign affairs, traditional craft villages, and products. Through a wide range of documents, artifacts, machinery, documentary films, and reports, the exhibition vividly and comprehensively reflects the outstanding achievements achieved throughout the “80-year journey of independence, freedom, and happiness” under the leadership of the communist party of Vietnam. It also highlights the nation’s rich cultural traditions, the spirit of labor and effective production across regions, and portrays the image of Vietnam and its people—shaped by thousands of years of heroic history, a culture rich in identity yet unified in diversity among 54 ethnic groups, the abundance of products across the north, central, and south, and the continuous development of ministries, sectors, and all 34 provinces and cities over the past eight decades.
The national achievements exhibition attracted nearly 7 million visitors. Photo: Nhandan newspaper.
A diverse and engaging exhibition space
One of the exhibition’s highlights lies in its well-structured organization, harmoniously combining political and historical content with cultural, artistic, and modern technological elements. Many exhibition booths were creatively designed, incorporating digital technology, virtual reality, and interactive LED screens, allowing visitors to engage in a more immersive and accessible experience.
The exhibition space was arranged in an open, multi-layered layout across nearly 260,000 m² of the national exhibition center, divided into three main zones:
- The overview exhibition area at kim quy exhibition hall, themed “Vietnam – a journey toward a new era”, presenting the country’s major achievements over the past 80 years, a 4,000-year cultural heritage, the diversity of 54 ethnic groups, and thematic spaces dedicated to the party, localities, and enterprises.
- The outdoor exhibition areas at the west, south, and east grounds, themed “integration and development”, focusing on green transformation, digital transformation, national defense and security, aviation and aerospace, while also hosting cultural, artistic, and culinary activities.
- The international exhibition and 12 cultural industries area at exhibition hall block a, themed “integration and creativity”, showcasing products from cultural industries and collaborative creative projects, reflecting Vietnam’s aspiration for deeper international integration.
Exhibition spaces at the event. Photo: Nhandan newspaper.
A solemn closing ceremony, concluding an emotional journey
The closing ceremony took place on the evening of 15/09, summarizing the exhibition’s key outcomes and continuing to spread the message of aspiration for a prosperous and happy nation.
Prime minister Pham Minh Chinh attending the closing ceremony of the national achievements exhibition themed “80 years – the journey of independence, freedom, and happiness”. Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac.
The exhibition “80 years – the journey of independence, freedom, and happiness” was not only a commemorative political and cultural event, but also an opportunity to reflect on the path already taken and reaffirm the comprehensive achievements attained under the leadership of the party. At the same time, it conveyed a strong message about Vietnam’s aspiration to build a prosperous, happy country and to integrate more deeply with the region and the world.
The event also serves as an important foundation for Vietnam to continue organizing large-scale political and cultural activities in the future, contributing to strengthening public confidence, national pride, and the shared aspiration for progress across society.
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