Prepare the best conditions for the merger with the new province.

In line with the central government's policy on streamlining the administrative apparatus and reorganizing administrative units, Lao Cai province is making efforts to prepare for the merger with the new province.

Currently, Lao Cai is focusing its efforts on preparing the best conditions for the province merger. Lao Cai has closely followed the resolutions, conclusions, and circulars of the Central Government, ensuring progress and quality. The goal is to build a streamlined and efficient administrative apparatus, create room for socio-economic development, and strengthen national security and defense.

As of February 28, 2025, Lao Cai province had completed the restructuring and consolidation of six departments and equivalent agencies, including: the Department of Internal Affairs, the Department of Finance, the Department of Construction, the Department of Agriculture and Environment, the Department of Science and Technology, and the Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religion. Simultaneously, the Provincial Party Committee's Propaganda Department and Mass Mobilization Department were merged. This resulted in a reduction of five departments, five department directors, and numerous heads of specialized divisions at the provincial level, ensuring smooth operations.

Building infrastructure along the Red River has been identified by the leaders of Lao Cai province as one of the top priorities. Photo: Hai Nguyen.

Regarding personnel, 111 officials have voluntarily requested early retirement, including 4 department directors and 2 deputy directors. To date, 71 cases have been approved, comprising 38 from the Party and 33 from the government. This move not only streamlines the apparatus but also paves the way for a new generation of younger officials, ensuring continuity in work.

The Kim Thanh International Road Border Gate No. II is becoming increasingly modern, befitting its status as a center connecting Vietnam and ASEAN with Southwest China. Photo: Hai Nguyen.

Strategically located as a bridge between Vietnam, ASEAN, and Southwest China, along with diverse transportation advantages and abundant resources, the province aims to create a new growth pole for the region. Lao Cai city's urban infrastructure, classified as a Type II city, is planned to be modern, featuring a 58-meter-wide main road and well-integrated, modern administrative complexes.

Regarding social housing, 84 hectares have been planned across 22 locations to meet the needs of residents after the merger. The Van Hoa Social Housing Project (760 apartments, accommodating nearly 1,900 residents) is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, along with 5 other projects covering an area of 14.2 hectares.

In the healthcare sector, the newly inaugurated high-tech building of the Lao Cai Provincial General Hospital has 330 beds, bringing the total capacity to 1,000 beds, leading the region. This project, with a total investment of over 380 billion VND, meets the requirements of high-tech healthcare in the context of integration.

Furthermore, Lao Cai province continues to promote investment attraction to create a solid foundation for the merger process in accordance with the central government's policy. With the goal of building a new, effective, and efficient administrative unit, Lao Cai is not only focusing on streamlining its apparatus but also on exploiting its economic potential, transforming the challenges of the merger into opportunities for sustainable development.

Mr. Vu Lan - Deputy Director of the Department of Finance of Lao Cai province. Photo: Hai Nguyen.

Mr. Vu Lan, Deputy Director of the Department of Finance of Lao Cai province, said: Attracting investment not only supports the merger process but also lays the foundation for long-term development, achieving the goal of developing Lao Cai province into a growth pole and a center for connecting economic trade between Vietnam and ASEAN countries with the Southwest region of China.

Accordingly, Lao Cai province is resolutely implementing administrative reforms, improving the investment and business environment, and providing maximum support and convenience for businesses to operate and exploit the province's potential and strengths.

To increase its attractiveness to investors, Lao Cai has focused on significantly improving its infrastructure (transportation, industrial parks, electricity, and urban infrastructure), including projects such as the Noi Bai - Lao Cai Expressway expansion phase, the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong standard gauge railway project, and Sa Pa Airport. These are important projects that enhance Lao Cai's connectivity with major economic centers, seaports, and airports, improving production capacity and facilitating trade, tourism, and services.

In addition, the province is accelerating investment in infrastructure for the Vo Lao Industrial Park (Van Ban district), the Thong Nhat 1 industrial cluster, speeding up the progress of other infrastructure such as Ban Vuoc Bridge, Kim Thanh - Ngoi Phat road, increasing investment in electricity, water supply, and environmental treatment systems in industrial parks; and accelerating the investment and construction of new urban areas in Lao Cai city, Sa Pa, Bac Ha, etc.

With thorough preparation in infrastructure, personnel, and policies, Lao Cai is ready for the new province to operate effectively after the merger. Photo: Hai Nguyen

With the above policies and solutions, in recent years, Lao Cai province has become a destination for many large economic groups and strategic investors such as Sun Group, T&T Group, Geleximco, Bitexco, TNG, Phu Hung Production and Import-Export Joint Stock Company, KOSY Joint Stock Company, etc.

With thorough preparation in infrastructure, personnel, and policies, Lao Cai is ready to ensure the effective operation of the newly merged province. This is not only a strategic move but also a strong affirmation of the province's position on Vietnam's economic map. The consensus of the people and the determination of the provincial leadership are key to realizing this goal, contributing to the comprehensive reform of the country.

In line with the central government's policy on streamlining the administrative apparatus and reorganizing administrative units, Lao Cai province is making efforts to prepare for the merger with the new province.

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