Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions.

In the early 17th century, most of the southern region of Vietnam was nearly uninhabited and in the position of Ho Chi Minh City, there was a small village formed with a few residents. However, thanks to its advantage in location, the town grew both economically and politically. By the 19th century, this had become a cultural hub of the South as well as an important trading center of the country.

You might not know that there was a time Saigon was referred to as the Pearl of the Far East. Sadly, having been through various occurrences and two disastrous wars has stunted the city’s development. Only after the political instabilities had settled, Saigon recovered miraculously and maintained its leading position in terms of both economics and culture. Officially named Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon today has 22 districts in total and attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists annually.

What happened with the Saigon in the 19th century?

A. It became popular all over Asia

B. It became a cultural hub of the South and an important trading center of Vietnam

C. It became the most important trading center in the world

D. It was no longer visited by international tourists.