The event, chaired by senior provincial leaders, gathered former and current officials from multiple periods, representatives of provincial departments, mass organizations, armed forces, and leaders of 77 communes and wards in Western Gia Lai.
Speaking at the ceremony, delegates reviewed the Party Committee’s 80-year history, recalling its origins as the Tây Sơn Party Committee formed in response to revolutionary needs in 1945.
Since its establishment, the Party Committee led local armed forces and residents through the resistance wars against French colonialists and American forces, contributing to the liberation of the South and national reunification in 1975.
Following reunification, Gia Lai faced widespread socio-economic hardship. Over nearly four decades of renewal, provincial leaders highlighted significant progress in political system development, economic growth, cultural and social advancement, and improvements in national defense and security. Living standards have risen, ethnic policies have been implemented comprehensively, and solidarity among ethnic communities has strengthened.
A major milestone came on July 1, 2025, when the former provinces of Gia Lai and Bình Định were merged into a new administrative unit named Gia Lai, now the country’s second-largest locality by area with 135 commune-level units.
The expanded province ranks 15th in economic scale and occupies a strategic location on the East-West and North-South corridors linking the Central Coast, Central Highlands, and neighboring Laos, Cambodia, and the Mekong subregion. Leaders said the merger creates new opportunities by consolidating resources and enhancing competitiveness.
Overview of the meeting. Photo: H.H
Following the restructuring, the provincial Party Committee now oversees 139 subordinate party committees, 1,913 grassroots party organizations, 1,846 party cells, and 147,054 party members. It has completed its first Party Congress for the 2025–2030 term.
Provincial Party Secretary Thái Đại Ngọc emphasized the significance of the anniversary, calling it a moment to honor the Party Committee’s traditions and to reinforce confidence for the new development phase.
He praised the province’s loyalty to Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh Thought, its resilience through past challenges, and the steadfastness of its people.
He urged officials, soldiers, and residents to uphold revolutionary traditions, foster unity and innovation, and work to realize the goals set by the first Party Congress, particularly in socio-economic development and strengthening the political system.
Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the province Nguyễn Ngọc Lương expresses gratitude to delegates attending the meeting. Photo: H.H
Former provincial leaders also delivered remarks expressing trust in the current leadership and expectations for future development.
Deputy Secretary Nguyễn Ngọc Lương, on behalf of provincial authorities, conveyed gratitude for their contributions and expressed hope that they would continue to support the province’s path toward rapid and sustainable growth.