Aspiration to rise from a new development space.

The merger of Dak Lak and Phu Yen provinces is not only a landmark administrative event in the process of streamlining the government apparatus, but also a strategic decision, opening up new development opportunities – a convergence point between the vast Central Highlands and the potentially rich South Central Coast.

The newly established Dak Lak province possesses a unique position as both the "Central Highlands" and the "Gateway to the East Sea," with the aspiration to become a new growth pole for the region and the entire country.

Dak Lak province possesses a unique geographical location, serving as a gateway connecting the Central Highlands with the South Central Coast and facing the East Sea. With a natural area of ​​over 18,000 km², a population of over 3.3 million people, a border stretching over 71 km, and a coastline of 189 km, the province has many favorable conditions for developing a marine economy , high-end resort tourism, international trade and cooperation, as well as high-value-added agriculture.

Dak Lak is known as the "coffee capital" of the country, with its fertile basalt soil stretching far and wide, while Phu Yen has the advantage of being the "gateway to the East Sea"; with beautiful and unique bays, beaches, and landscapes; abundant seafood; and a port infrastructure with great potential. This combination creates a foundation for multi-sectoral development, ranging from high-tech agriculture , renewable energy, metallurgy, petrochemicals, deep processing industries, port-related logistics, to tourism and services... At the same time, the province has a comprehensively invested inter-regional transportation system, including the Khanh Hoa - Buon Ma Thuot expressway, the North-South expressway (Eastern section), and the coastal road; Buon Ma Thuot and Tuy Hoa airports; Vung Ro and Bai Goc ports; the North-South railway and high-speed railway (to be invested in in the near future), forming an inter-provincial and inter-regional logistics network. After the reorganization, the new Dak Lak province will have advantages in infrastructure, especially transportation infrastructure connections, making it suitable for the development of industrial zones, urban areas, and logistics services, creating momentum for the province's economic development, particularly in the South Phu Yen Economic Zone.

Prior to the merger, both provinces had achieved outstanding results in many socio-economic indicators, reflecting the strong recovery and development trend of the localities after the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the unstable impact from the global economic situation.

Specifically, the province's GRDP growth in the first six months of the year is estimated at 7.01% compared to the same period last year (of which: Phu Yen increased by 7.6%, Dak Lak by 6.64%). This growth rate meets the set target and is a positive sign in the context of a volatile global economy. In addition, total state budget revenue in Dak Lak increased sharply by 31.6%; while Phu Yen increased by 9.4% compared to the same period last year. Export turnover in Dak Lak increased by 28%, and in Phu Yen by 18%. Investment attraction has shown many positive signs with many large-scale projects, creating momentum for development, having received investment approval and commenced construction in the first six months of the year, demonstrating the increasing confidence of businesses and investors in the investment and business environment in the province…

Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Ta Anh Tuan (center) discusses the planning of the South Phu Yen Economic Zone with Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh (far left) . Photo: Ha My

With a desire for innovation and development, building on existing strengths and resources, along with the attention and support of the Central Government and the determination and unity of the entire political system, people, and businesses in the province, in the period 2026-2030, Dak Lak province strives to achieve an average annual GRDP growth of 11-11.5%; total investment capital over the five years reaching over 620,000 billion VND; and average annual state budget revenue (excluding land use fees) increasing by 11-12%. The province also aims to achieve rapid and sustainable socio-economic development; improve the material, cultural, and spiritual lives of the people to reach the national average level, based on maximizing the exploitation and promotion of the cultural identity of ethnic groups, the potential, advantages, and room for new development.

To achieve the above objectives, the province has identified the need for breakthrough solutions to maximize the potential advantages and new development spaces; accelerate the growth rate, restructure the economy towards improving productivity, quality, efficiency, added value and competitiveness; and closely adhere to the following core growth drivers:

Firstly, we need to develop a new provincial planning scheme, organize development space rationally, form a modern urban system, and develop green, smart cities linked to services and tourism. We should gradually transform Buon Ma Thuot into the "World Coffee City"; and coastal cities into seaside tourism hubs and growth poles in the East, leveraging the advantages of deep-water ports, bays, and unique scenic spots.

For the period 2026-2030, Dak Lak province aims for an average annual GRDP growth rate of 11-11.5%; total investment over the five years to reach over 620,000 billion VND; and average annual growth of state budget revenue (excluding land use fees) of 11-12%.

Secondly, industrial and construction development will become the most important driving force to accelerate the province's growth in the coming period. Focus will be placed on attracting large-scale, high-tech projects linked to the province's marine economic advantages such as metallurgy, renewable energy, refining, and petrochemicals. At the same time, the province will promote the deep processing of agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products such as coffee, rubber, durian, and lobster to increase added value and competitiveness in the international market.

Thirdly, strongly transform the service and tourism sector, making tourism a key economic sector of the province. Develop diverse types of tourism; at the same time, invest in a synchronized logistics system and port services, connecting expressways, Vung Ro port, Bai Goc port, Buon Ma Thuot and Tuy Hoa airports to make the province a regional hub for goods transshipment and tourism.

Fourth, focus on restructuring agriculture towards ecological, high-tech, and value-chain approaches, closely linking agriculture and processing industries. Form large-scale specialized farming areas for key products, strongly develop high-tech, organic, ecological, and circular agricultural models, connecting production with processing and export markets. Focus investment on irrigation infrastructure, disaster response, and climate change adaptation to ensure the safety of agricultural production.

Fifth, complete the road network, with expressways, national highways, provincial roads, and coastal roads, creating seamless connectivity within the province and inter-regionally. Continue to leverage advantages and develop renewable and clean energy projects (such as green hydrogen and ammonia production), and attract investment in data centers based on renewable energy advantages…

Immediately after the merger, the new Dak Lak province will quickly streamline its administrative apparatus to be more efficient and effective. It is determined to build a modern administration, improve governance capacity, reform administrative procedures, and accelerate the comprehensive, effective, substantive, and sustainable digital transformation process across all three pillars (digital government, digital economy, and digital society) and in all sectors. It will significantly improve the investment environment, innovate and enhance the effectiveness of investment attraction, and create favorable conditions to help businesses develop, invest confidently, and contribute positively to the province's socio-economic development.

With its abundant inherent potential and spirit of unity, discipline, innovation, and creativity, we are confident that the newly established Dak Lak province will overcome all difficulties and challenges, becoming a dynamic, modern, and distinctive locality, and an important growth pole for the Central-Western Highlands region and the whole country in the coming years.

Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/chinh-polit/202506/khat-vong-vuon-len-tu-khong-gian-phat-trien-moi-75430ce/