Expanding the economic development space after the merger.

Large-scale sturgeon farming model in Muong La commune.

Over the years, along with state support resources, the communes prior to the merger actively and effectively implemented programs and projects to support people in developing their economy ; mobilizing people to transform production and crop structure towards concentrated, specialized farming, and developing clean, high-quality agriculture.

By 2025, the cultivated area will reach over 6,000 hectares, with grain production exceeding 7,200 tons. The people are also actively improving their orchards and converting less efficient food crop areas to fruit tree cultivation. To date, the entire commune has 2,035 hectares of various fruit trees, nearly 200 hectares of hawthorn trees, with fruit production expected to exceed 16,000 tons in 2025.

The model of raising buffalo and cattle in enclosed pens by farmers in Na Loc village.

In addition, farmers in the commune are utilizing the surface area of the Son La hydroelectric reservoir to develop cage fish farming in the Muong Trai and It Ong areas, with 659 fish cages and a production of 160 tons per year. They are gradually forming large-scale, concentrated livestock farming areas with links to businesses such as pig and cattle farms, and the Vietnam Sturgeon Company Limited - Son La. Simultaneously, they are transforming small-scale livestock farming into concentrated, commercial farming. The entire commune currently has over 12,000 buffaloes and cattle; nearly 40,000 pigs; nearly 10,000 goats; and 153,000 poultry.

Visiting the enclosed cattle and buffalo farming model of Mr. Tong Van La's family in Na Loc village, we observed that the barns were well-invested, sturdy, and equipped with an automatic drinking water system for the livestock, reducing labor and improving farming efficiency. Mr. La said: "To ensure the livestock thrive, in addition to providing sufficient feed, my family regularly vaccinates against diseases and strictly adheres to disease prevention procedures. Although the livestock disease situation has been complicated recently, our herd has remained healthy. My family currently raises 150 cattle and buffalo for commercial purposes. Each year, we earn approximately 300 million VND after deducting expenses."

Mr. Nguyen Chi Thanh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Muong La commune, said: Immediately after the merger, the commune conducted a review of the current state of economic development in the area. From there, a plan was developed to implement economic models suitable to the conditions and advantages of each region. It is expected that in 2026, the commune will implement a demonstration model of the Ngoc Trang Muong La sticky rice variety in It village; produce clean and safe vegetables with linked product consumption in Na Loc village; raise rock bees and native black chickens in Nong Bau village; and raise native livestock in Khau Ban village. Through the implementation of these pilot models, the aim is to transfer advanced scientific and technical knowledge and high technology to households through a "hands-on" approach. This will lead to the development of agricultural products with high productivity and quality, linked to product consumption.

Floating house tourism model in Da Giang Bay, Muong La commune.

Taking advantage of its many residential areas located along the Da River, Muong La commune has developed two tourist attractions: Son La hydroelectric reservoir tourism and the "Tat Pha" ecotourism area in Nong Luong village. In addition, community-based tourism has emerged in the It Ong and Muong Trai residential clusters, combining visits to the hydroelectric project with the exploration of ethnic culture. Several traditional festivals have been revived, such as the Nang Han festival of the Thai ethnic group and the Pang A festival of the La Ha ethnic group. The commune has gradually developed homestays and reservoir tours, contributing to economic restructuring, cultural preservation, job creation, and increased income.

To date, Muong La commune has 10 tourist accommodation establishments, 2 large restaurants, and a number of entertainment facilities serving the local people and tourists. In 2025, the commune is expected to welcome 11,665 tourists, with total revenue estimated at approximately 6.9 billion VND.

Tourists visit the Son La hydroelectric power plant.

Mr. Bui Viet Cuong, Chairman of the Commune People's Committee, said: "Entering 2026, the commune will promote agricultural restructuring towards green transformation, creating specialty, distinctive, off-season, and organic agricultural products. We will strengthen the linkage of the 'four stakeholders' (state, businesses, science, and farmers) in production; transform the crop structure to suit the climate and soil conditions of each village, developing fruit trees in lowlands and medicinal plants in highlands... At the same time, we will maximize the use of digital platforms for consuming local agricultural products; promote businesses, cooperatives, and households to produce and link agricultural products along the value chain; and build product brands associated with the local advantages…"

Regarding tourism services, the commune continues to survey and develop plans for effectively exploiting tourist attractions in the area such as: the terraced rice fields of Cat Linh village; the terraced rice fields of Tan sticky rice and the old-growth forest of It village; and the hot spring resources of Hua It sub-area. It also preserves and protects several historical relics such as: the historical relic of the resistance war at Pom Pat fort, Hua It sub-area; the archaeological site of Co Noong cave, Na Lo village; the historical relic of Pom Don, Cang Bo Ban village… It develops experiential tourism tours to learn about the history, culture, and ethnic identity of the Muong La region.

Expanding the economic development space after the merger, creating more opportunities and jobs, developing the economy, helping to reduce the poverty rate of the commune to 6.64% by 2025, gradually improving people's lives, the economic picture of Muong La commune after implementing the two-tiered government is increasingly flourishing, gradually leading Muong La commune towards sustainable development.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/kinh-te/mo-rong-khong-gian-phat-trien-kinh-te-sau-sap-nhap-Z1h3WXGDg.html