Inauguration of the Red River Delta Petroleum Memorial Site

29.09.2025

00:00/00:00

On the morning of 28 September, in Tran Lam Ward, Hung Yen Province, and under the assignment of the Vietnam National Industry – Energy Group (Petrovietnam), Vietnam Oil Corporation – JSC (PVOIL) solemnly held the inauguration ceremony of the Red River Delta Petroleum Memorial Site. This meaningful event was organized to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Petrovietnam.

Overall view of the inauguration ceremony

Attending the inauguration ceremony, representing Hung Yen Province were Mr Nguyen Manh Hung – Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Hung Yen Province; together with leaders of local authorities.

Representing Petrovietnam were Mr Tran Quang Dung – Standing Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee; members of the Members’ Council of Petrovietnam including Mr Pham Tuan Anh and Mr Tran Hong Nam; representatives of the Veterans Association, the Trade Union of Petrovietnam; PVOIL; and THAIBINH PSC.

Also attending the ceremony were Dr Nguyen Quoc Thap – Chairman of the Vietnam Oil and Gas Association; together with former leaders of Petrovietnam, Group 36 Petroleum, Geological Federation 36, and Oil Company I.

Delegates perform the flag-saluting ceremony.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mr Tran Dinh Thanh – Director of THAIBINH PSC and Chairman of the Red River Petroleum Association – stated that the memorial site was commenced in May 2022 on an area of nearly 5,000 m², with a construction area of more than 300 m². The project has a total investment of VND 12 billion, sponsored by PVOIL.

The Traditional House is designed to resemble an oil rig on the rice fields of the Red River Delta – the cradle of the petroleum exploration journey of Vietnam’s oil and gas industry, which has now become a national industry and energy sector. The main hall is highlighted by a lotus relief, symbolizing the homeland of President Ho Chi Minh, together with a 15 m2 copper artwork depicting President Ho Chi Minh’s visit to Azerbaijan in 1959. This symbolic image recalls his historic trip, which laid the foundation for the establishment of Vietnam’s oil and gas industry. The third floor of the building is dedicated to a memorial room for President Ho Chi Minh and a traditional exhibition space, preserving photographs, artifacts, and models that recreate the arduous yet heroic journey of “those who sought the flame.”

Mr Tran Dinh Thanh reports on the construction of the Red River Delta Petroleum Memorial Site

During the construction process, the project received significant attention from the leadership of Petrovietnam, PVOIL, the Vietnam Oil and Gas Association, as well as a large number of officers and employees within the industry. Many valuable artifacts and documents were collected and donated, contributing to an authentic depiction of Petrovietnam’s challenging yet proud journey.

Mr Tran Dinh Thanh affirmed that the memorial site is not only a cultural and historical project honoring previous generations, but also a “red address” for educating future generations of Petrovietnam officers and employees about tradition. He added that this site will serve as a meaningful destination in the “back to the roots” journey, fostering pride and motivation for building a stronger Petrovietnam capable of reaching the international level.

Dr Nguyen Quoc Thap emphasized that, with joint efforts in management and effective operation, the project will fully promote its true value, serving both as a historical bridge and a meaningful destination for current and future generations. Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Nguyen Quoc Thap stressed that Tran Lam is the birthplace of the petroleum sector, where the determination and aspirations of generations of geologists originated, and also the starting point of international cooperation between Vietnam and the Russian Federation.

The idea of establishing the Red River Delta Petroleum Memorial Site was initiated many years ago and has now been realized through the collective efforts of Petrovietnam, its member units—particularly PVOIL and the Red River Petroleum Association. Today’s achievement is the result of determination and persistent dedication across generations. The memorial site not only carries historical and commemorative value, but also creates opportunities for Hung Yen Province to develop cultural tourism, together with other “red addresses’’ of the petroleum sector such as Well 61 in Tien Hai.

Dr Nguyen Quoc Thap expressed his belief that, with joint efforts in management and effective operation, the project will fully promote its true value, serving as a historical bridge while becoming a meaningful destination for current and future generations.

Mr Tran Quang Dung emphasized that the Red River Delta Petroleum Memorial Site is not only a “red address” for educating current and future generations about tradition, but also a cultural nucleus that helps nurture pride, dedication, and the cultural identity of Petrovietnam

Mr Tran Quang Dung emphasized that the project is located in a solemn position, together with a bronze relief depicting the moment when President Ho Chi Minh visited the Baku oil industry (former Soviet Union) on 23 July 1959. It was here that he left his famous statement: “Vietnam has sea, certainly it will have oil. I hope that after Vietnam’s victorious resistance struggle, the Soviet Union in general and Azerbaijan in particular will help Vietnam build a strong oil and gas industry.” This was not only a visionary prediction but also a strategic orientation, reflecting his far-sighted vision for the country’s future economic development.

Inspired by President Ho Chi Minh’s aspiration and guidance, generations of Petrovietnam employees have made continuous efforts, overcoming countless difficulties to gradually build a modern, synchronized and complete national energy industry.

Delegates at the Traditional House, highlighted by the red-copper artwork depicting President Ho Chi Minh’s visit to Azerbaijan in 1959

Recalling the historical milestones of the sector and of Petrovietnam, Mr Tran Quang Dung affirmed that Petrovietnam has successfully fulfilled its historic mission with the “Five Safeties”: ensuring energy security, economic security, food security, national defense security, and social welfare. At the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Group, General Secretary To Lam bestowed upon Petrovietnam the honorary eight golden words: “Pioneering – Outstanding – Sustainable – Global”. This is both an honor and a responsibility for Petrovietnam to continue striving toward its goals of maintaining its leading position in Vietnam, being among the top 10 enterprises in the region, and ranking among the world’s top 500 by 2030.

According to Mr Tran Quang Dung, the Red River Delta Petroleum Memorial Site is not only a “red address” for educating current and future generations about tradition, but also a cultural nucleus contributing to nurturing pride, dedication, and the cultural identity of Petrovietnam. He expressed his belief that, with the engagement of Party committees, local authorities, and the joint efforts of socio-political organizations within the industry, the project will be sustainably promoted, becoming a symbol connecting the sector’s proud tradition with the aspiration for development in the new era.

On this occasion, the Trade Union of the Vietnam National Industry – Energy Group (Petrovietnam) presented financial support of VND 300 million for collecting and showcasing artifacts at the Traditional House.

Mrs Nghiem Thuy Lan – Chairwoman of the Trade Union of Petrovietnam – presents financial support for the collection and exhibition of artifacts.Delegates cut the ribbon to inaugurate the Red River Delta Petroleum Memorial Site
Delegates perform the plaque-unveiling ceremony of the project.
Delegates visit the artifacts exhibited at the Traditional House