Light up the flame of faith in a Can Tho city with enough stature to reach out to the ocean…

Ninh Kieu Wharf, Can Tho City.

Tomorrow, three cultural streams: Can Tho, Hau Giang , Soc Trang will blend together to create a single Can Tho city, a megacity with a familiar name and delta stature.

This is not just a new name on the map, not just redrawn administrative boundaries; but a historical turning point, a revolution in thinking and a promise of a new urban center, with enough scope and resilience to lead the whole region to reach out to the sea.

The times of integration and separation

The land of Can Tho - Hau Giang - Soc Trang , since the dawn of pioneering steps, has witnessed many ups and downs of history, harsh but also memorable changes.

These three streams are not strange entities, but branches of rivers with the same origin and footprints of those who opened the land, the drops of sweat mixed with alluvium have cultivated a close relationship.

Deep in our memories, we still remember the years before 1975, when the lands of Long My, Vi Thanh, Phung Hiep, Ke Sach, and My Tu were closely connected with Can Tho and Rach Gia. In the midst of the war, that bond was very strong and steadfast, forging an indomitable will that would last forever.

Then in 1991, 2004, the demand created a geographical and administrative “distance” but did not completely erase the invisible connection. On the contrary, each “branching out” was an opportunity for Soc Trang and Hau Giang to train themselves, affirm their own identity, and find their own proud paths, like young trees stretching out from the shade of ancient trees to catch their own sunlight.

There, Can Tho, with its central position, has firmly become the economic center, the hub for education, healthcare and logistics... for the whole region. Hau Giang, a young land, possessing a strong vitality and dynamic spirit, has grown strongly with flourishing industrial zones and fertile fields. And Soc Trang, a place where the cultural soul is preserved with ancient pagodas, bustling festivals, and an important seaport position.

Three streams, three identities that seemed separate, but were once closely linked, are now integrated by a strategic vision, a great aspiration for the future.

When the name changes…

This merger is not just dry numbers on paper or simple administrative calculations, but comes from innovative thinking and the desire to break through. At this very moment, a choking, sacred emotion wells up in the hearts of every child of Hau Giang and Soc Trang.

Standing here, on the familiar land of Hau Giang, listening to the news about the future, about a name that will no longer exist, people's hearts feel a pang. It is not regret or sadness in a tragic way, but a choked emotion - as if something sacred is silently moving, transforming into a new form deep in the soul. And everyone feels small before the greatness of a journey, a name that is deeply ingrained in every fold of memory, every breath of the homeland.

The children of Hau Giang, surely from the roads lined with lush fruit trees, the endless green rice fields, to the warm sunshine, the characteristic gentle wind, will permeate every fiber of the body, every dream...

Hau Giang is not just a place name - it is an emotional land, where many people cry for the first time because of the hardships of farmers, and rejoice for the victories of their fellow countrymen in the fields. It is a place that helps many people grow up amidst the simple yet profound love of their homeland; it is also a place where someone learns to stand up after each fall; where many people find peace amidst the hustle and bustle of life...

And Soc Trang, with its majestic golden pagoda roofs under the early morning sunlight; with the bustling Lam Thon dance, the resounding drumbeats of the sacred Ok Om Bok Festival, or the enchanting trumpet sounds in the late afternoon. These are images and sounds that have become part of the flesh and blood of millions of people.

Even if tomorrow, the name “Hau Giang” or “Soc Trang” is no longer an independent administrative unit on the map, we believe that the spirit and identity will never be lost. Instead, it will blend into the larger flow, becoming an indispensable part, a unique highlight, a brilliant color in the soul of the future megacity.

The people of Hau Giang will still carry within them the enthusiasm, sincerity and typical hospitality. Cultural values, traditional dishes imbued with the love of the homeland, stories of diligence and resilience will still be told, preserved and passed on from generation to generation. The people's feelings are still filled with two words: love and longing; will always be the warm flame burning in our hearts, illuminating the path we take.

Light the fire of love…

From its deep roots, from its distinct yet harmonious identity, a new Can Tho city was formed - a "metropolis" with a large area of over 6,360km2, 4.2 million people and 103 commune-level administrative units.

This will be a new “heart”, a strong locomotive of the Mekong Delta based on many solid pillars: high-tech agriculture reaching out to the world, modern processing industry, unique eco-spiritual tourism, powerful marine economy...

New development axes and economic corridors will soon be formed, connecting the blood vessels of all three regions: from the bustling urban center of Can Tho, extending to the green industry - agriculture of Hau Giang, then connecting to the estuary and the brilliant cultural - tourism space of Soc Trang. This is the picture of a modern - smart - unique city, where technology will help manage many things more effectively, the environment will be greener and cleaner, and public services will be transparent, convenient and leading in the region.

But for that aspiration to become a reality, for Can Tho to truly take off, we cannot just wait. Can Tho needs a bold, far-reaching vision, a streamlined, efficient management apparatus, and a team of cadres who dare to think, dare to do, dare to take responsibility for the times and the future.

The new Can Tho city will be a new center, a model urban area of the Mekong Delta - a solid foundation from the past, built up by history and humanity, a bright future aspiration that is worthy of every child of the West, whether Can Tho, Hau Giang or Soc Trang, joining hands to build with all their enthusiasm and intelligence.

Right now, let us light the fire of faith in a Can Tho city with enough stature to reach out to the ocean, embracing the aspirations of an entire heroic land, bringing the West to new horizons.

KNOWLEDGE

Source: https://baohaugiang.com.vn/kinh-te/thap-len-ngon-lua-tin-yeu-vao-mot-thanh-pho-can-tho-du-tam-voc-vuon-ra-bien-lon-142574.html