Part 1: The Desire for Breakthrough

In response to the demands for rapid and sustainable development in the new phase, Lai Chau province has set the goal of "increasing the gross regional product (GRDP) of the province..."

Foundation and growth potential

In recent years, overcoming many difficulties and challenges, Lai Chau province has achieved many positive results in socio-economic development. The most outstanding achievement in the 2021-2025 period is: the GRDP growth rate in 2025 is expected to reach 7.52%, including a 2.58% increase in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries; an 11.69% increase in industry and construction; and a 7.04% increase in services; and a per capita GDP of 79 million VND. Notably, in 2025, the province's budget revenue is projected to reach 3,574 billion VND, the highest ever; total import and export turnover is estimated at 58.18 million USD; total tourism service revenue is expected to reach 1,206 billion VND, with the province welcoming over 1.4 million visitors; and support will be provided for the construction and repair of 9,791 temporary and dilapidated houses. The people's living standards have improved significantly.

Ms. Phan Xuan May, residing in Sung Phai residential area (Doan Ket ward), happily shared: "Thanks to the attention of the Party, the State, and the Party committees and authorities at all levels in the province, my three children and I now have a new, more spacious house. My family has also received support in terms of production capital, farming and livestock techniques, and other policy benefits. I will strive to develop my family's economy and work towards escaping poverty as soon as possible."

Tourists visit and take photos at the Dragon Cloud Glass Bridge Tourist Area (Binh Lu commune).

Despite being a border province in the Northwest of Vietnam with challenging transportation infrastructure, Lai Chau is considered to have significant development potential with unique growth opportunities. One of the province's major advantages is its 265.165km long border with Yunnan Province (China); the Ma Lu Thang border gate, sub-border gates, and six other border crossings create favorable conditions for border trade development. With its natural conditions, geographical location, and climate, Lai Chau has been endowed with invaluable mineral, water, and forest resources for exploitation in the hydropower, construction, and renewable energy sectors. Furthermore, the province boasts many key agricultural products such as tea, cinnamon, macadamia nuts, Lai Chau ginseng, rice, and honey, which are gradually establishing their brands in the market. At the same time, the distinctive and unique cultural identities of the 20 ethnic groups, along with the majestic natural landscapes, are advantages for developing green and sustainable economic sectors.

Political will and concrete action

Clearly identifying the difficulties and challenges in the current context, Comrade Le Minh Ngan - Member of the Central Committee of the Party, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, and Chairman of the Provincial People's Council - affirmed: The double-digit growth target for Lai Chau province is quite high compared to the local conditions. However, with the existing potential, advantages, and growth room, the province can completely achieve this goal with high political determination, breakthrough actions, and innovative thinking from the entire political system; and the consensus and unity of the people and businesses.

To realize the double-digit growth target, on December 30, 2025, the Provincial Party Standing Committee issued an Action Program to achieve the double-digit growth target for the period 2026-2030 with the following specific objectives: Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) growth in the province during the period 2026-2030 is projected at approximately 10%, of which the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector is expected to grow by 4.48%; the industry and construction sector by 13.57%; and the service sector by 8%. For the period 2030-2045, the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) growth in the province is projected at approximately 10%.

In addition, the province established a Steering Committee for implementing growth targets, chaired by the Provincial Party Secretary. The Provincial People's Committee issued a plan for implementing the economic growth scenario for 2026, clearly identifying growth drivers and key tasks for provincial departments, agencies, and commune/ward People's Committees to develop detailed implementation plans; and issued a Decision approving the adjustment of the Lai Chau provincial planning for the period 2021-2030 with a vision to 2050, serving as an important basis for implementing general planning at the commune level and attracting investment, and organizing the implementation of local development goals and tasks in the new period.

The local products are reaching markets outside the province and are gradually establishing their position.

To concretize the growth targets, the Provincial Party Committee recently issued several important resolutions such as: Resolution No. 08-NQ/TU, dated March 4, 2026, of the Provincial Party Committee on the development of tourism in Lai Chau province for the period 2026-2030, with orientation to 2035; Resolution No. 09-NQ/TU, dated March 4, 2026, of the Provincial Party Committee on improving the effectiveness of attracting investment and developing the private economy as an important driving force in the socio-economic development of Lai Chau province for the period 2026-2030; Resolution No. 12-NQ/TU, dated March 27, 2026, of the Provincial Party Committee on the development of commercial agriculture and medicinal plants towards a green economy for the period 2026-2030…

Under the close guidance of the Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial Steering Committee for achieving growth targets and economic growth scenarios, and in accordance with issued resolutions, from the provincial to local levels, all sectors are striving to transform awareness and thinking into concrete actions, proposing many breakthrough, innovative, and highly feasible solutions and strategies. In particular, they are effectively mobilizing all resources and fostering strong unity, innovation, and progress among the business community and people of all ethnic groups in the province.

(To be continued)

Source: https://baolaichau.vn/kinh-te/ky-1-khat-vong-but-pha-1109560