Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính awards Certificate of Merit to an outstanding individual for his contribution to the nation on Sunday. — VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính praised outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the country and emphasised the importance of maintaining a strong spirit, enthusiasm, and continuous efforts to strive for progress, dedicating themselves further to the community, society and the nation.

He made these remarks at a ceremony held on Sunday to celebrate and honour outstanding individuals, marking the 75th anniversary of President Hồ Chí Minh's call for patriotic emulation (June 11, 1948 - June 11, 2023).

The conference was attended by 700 outstanding individuals from across the country.

Speaking at the conference, Prime Minister Chính, who was also Chairman of the Central Emulation and Reward Council, said that 75 years ago, President Hồ Chí Minh issued the call to officially launch the patriotic emulation movement across our Party, Military and people.

The movement of patriotic emulation has truly flourished and expanded in various fields, involving all social classes and exerting a strong and widespread influence in society.

Many outstanding individuals have emerged in various fields within the patriotic emulation movement. At this conference, the 700 delegates represented millions of outstanding collectives and individuals from all regions of the country.

These individuals, regardless of their age, position, or profession, had a spirit of patriotism, dynamism, creativity, daring to think and act, and taking responsibility for the common good. They truly served as shining examples for everyone to learn from, he said.

"I firmly believe that there are many other silent heroes who are tirelessly contributing their efforts, intellect, and resources to the country in all fields, among all social classes, and our compatriots abroad," he said.

PM Chính requested all levels and sectors to strengthen leadership and effective implementation of Party and State policies and laws on emulation and rewards.

It was essential to integrate the work of emulation and rewards with the fulfillment of the key tasks and strategic breakthroughs, vigorously promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and the development of a green, digital, and circular economy.

He urged the Central Emulation and Reward Council, the Fatherland Front, ministries, agencies, localities, and organisations to continue launching patriotic emulation movements, which aligned with the resolution of political tasks at their respective levels and units.

PM Chính highlighted the implementation of emulation movements with the building and rectification of the Party, including anti-corruption, anti-waste, judicial and administrative reforms, preservation and promotion of the traditions and cultural identity of the nation, and the promotion of foreign affairs and international integration.

Seventy-five years have passed but the appeal for patriotic emulation made by President Hồ Chí Minh on June 11, 1948 has inspired patriotism and promoted national solidarity among Vietnamese nationals with a view to protecting and developing the nation, he said.

At the conference, some individuals shared their stories and expressed their commitment to continue being role models in life, work, and education, and further contribute to the nation.

Among them were Professor Võ Tòng Xuân, who has made significant contributions to agriculture in Việt Nam; K'Tieu from Đinh Lạc Commune, Di Linh District in Lâm Đồng Province, who has mobilised residents to donate land and pass down the traditions of Gong culture; Trần Thị Kim Thia from Hưng Thạnh Commune, Tháp Mười District in Đồng Tháp Province, who has been diligently teaching swimming to local children for 20 years; Lieutenant Colonel Nguyễn Chí Thành, deputy head of HCM City’s Firefighting and Rescue Department; Head Coach of the Vietnamese National Women's Football Team Mai Đức Chung; and track and field athlete Nguyễn Thị Oanh, who recently won four gold medals at the 32nd SEA Games.

PM Chính awarded Certificates of Merit to 75 outstanding individuals for their contribution to the nation in many fields. — VNS