A dramatic transformation after 40 years of reform.

Forty years since the country embarked on the reform process, Cao Bang - the northernmost land of the Fatherland - has witnessed a powerful transformation.

Báo Tin Tức•15/01/2026

From a mountainous border province facing numerous difficulties and shortages, Cao Bang has now risen to affirm its position in the overall development process of the country. These changes are not only evident in socio -economic life, but also extend to the urban landscape, transportation infrastructure, cultural and spiritual aspects, and even the solidity of national defense and security.

Photo caption — The urban landscape of Cao Bang province has undergone many changes after 40 years of reform. Photo: VNA

Mr. Nong Van Bao, a 73-year-old retired official residing in Nung Tri Cao ward, said: "Before the 1986 reforms, Cao Bang was a remote area with rugged terrain, difficult transportation, and very poor living conditions for its people. Even in the center of the province, my neighborhood lacked electricity and running water, and the houses were very simple. Those memories remain vivid in the minds of many older generations of officials like myself. Thanks to the Party's correct reform policies and the efforts of the Party committee and people of the province, life in Cao Bang has turned a new page today."

Sharing similar sentiments, 81-year-old Mr. Hoang Trung Hieu, residing in Nung Tri Cao ward, stated: "After each Party Congress term, Cao Bang takes a significant step forward on the path of socio-economic development. At this time, the people of Cao Bang are facing great opportunities and expectations. He hopes that in this Party Congress, the Central Committee will find solutions to remove obstacles so that the country can progress faster and stronger. He also hopes that the Congress will find individuals with sufficient dedication and talent to lead the country's development in line with its potential and the people's expectations."

Today, upon arriving in Cao Bang, one can easily notice the modernity and vibrancy of a developing mountainous city. The De Tham urban area has become a prominent highlight, with its wide streets, high-rise buildings, and spacious shopping centers. The neighborhoods along the Bang Giang River, once just rows of small tiled houses, have now been transformed into hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and more, creating a dazzling urban space illuminated at night. The synchronized urban infrastructure, including paved roads, stone-paved sidewalks, green parks, a central square, and entertainment areas, has replaced the image of the once simple mountain town. New residential areas, resettlement zones, and social housing have also been built, expanding the urban space beyond the city center and providing better living conditions for the people.

In the socio-economic field, Cao Bang has achieved many outstanding accomplishments. The average GRDP growth rate in recent years has reached approximately 7% per year, and is projected to increase to 8.2% in 2025 compared to 2024. State budget revenue in 2025 is expected to exceed 4,073 billion VND, nearly double that of 2020, demonstrating the strong momentum of trade, services, and border gate economy. Average per capita income is projected to reach 52 million VND per year, more than 1.5 times higher than in 2020. The poverty rate has decreased from 27% in 2020 to 17.8% in 2025. Education has been strengthened, with 100% of communes having solid school buildings, and the percentage of students attending school at the appropriate age exceeding 95%. The healthcare sector has also made significant progress, with health insurance coverage reaching over 98% of the population, ensuring people's right to healthcare.

Cao Bang's transportation and urban infrastructure has seen remarkable development. The Dong Dang - Tra Linh expressway has been started and is gradually being completed, opening up great opportunities for border trade, international trade, and tourism development. In particular, the digital transformation program has been strongly implemented, with level 4 online public services and many districts applying technology in management and production, helping Cao Bang catch up with the development trends of the whole country.

Alongside economic development, Cao Bang prioritizes preserving and promoting traditional cultural values. Many unique festivals, such as the Quang Uyen Fireworks Festival and the Long Tong Festival, have been restored and are held annually, becoming highlights in the province's spiritual life and attracting tourists. Heritage conservation is a priority, notably the UNESCO recognition of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark, contributing to elevating the province's position on the international tourism map. Tourism has also seen significant progress, with a projected arrival of nearly 1.5 million visitors in 2025, a 20% increase compared to 2024.

In the field of defense and security, Cao Bang maintains political stability and ensures social order and safety, especially in the more than 333 km long border area with China. The armed forces coordinate closely in managing and protecting the border, while strengthening friendly exchanges and cooperation with neighboring provinces of China, contributing to building a peaceful, friendly, cooperative, and developing border.

Looking back on 40 years of reform, Cao Bang has affirmed the strong vitality of a mountainous border province, overcoming many challenges to achieve proud accomplishments. The outstanding results in recent Party congresses not only reflect the efforts of the Party Committee, government, and people, but also open up prospects for sustainable development and deep integration in the future. With a spirit of unity, aspiration for progress, and faith in the Party's leadership, Cao Bang is gradually realizing its goal of becoming a green, culturally rich province, making a significant contribution to the cause of national construction and defense.