HCM CITY (VNS) — Work began on a new statue of President Ho Chi Minh yesterday at a bronze casting workshop in HCM City's Thu Duc District.

The 7m statue will feature President Ho standing on a platform.

Le Hoang Quan, chairman of the city's People's Committee, said after the leaders chose the design by sculptor Lam Quang Noi, it was sent to the noted Phuong Nam Bronze Casting Workshop owned by artisan Pham Van Hai.

The statue was being cast to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the President's birthday and the 40th anniversary of reunification, he said.

The statue will be erected on Nguyen Hue Street in front of the city's People's Committee to replace the previous statue of President Ho sitting with children, which has been moved to the Children's Cultural Palace in the city. — VNS