Increase the proportion of deep processing, reduce dependence on mining.

Lao Cai is undergoing a significant shift in its industrial structure: prioritizing projects focused on deep processing and high added value, gradually reducing dependence on the export of raw resources. This is a strategic step, realizing the goal of double-digit growth and ensuring sustainable long-term development.

Transition from raw to refined

For decades, mining has been a major contributor to the budget of Lao Cai province. However, even abundant resources have limitations. Recognizing this, the province has advocated a change in its growth model, focusing on the processing industry.

Plastic flooring production in the Southern Industrial Zone.

According to data from the Department of Industry and Trade, in the current industrial production structure, the processing industry has risen to become the leading sector, accounting for over 76%. Conversely, the mining sector has decreased to only 5.5%. This reversal is not accidental, but the result of persistent efforts to attract investment in high-tech projects.

During the period 2022-2025, the province witnessed the formation and operation of a series of large-scale chemical and fertilizer industrial projects such as: factories producing fused phosphate fertilizer and NPK fertilizer; and projects producing DCP, MCP, and SSP. Not only limited to mineral resources, the province's agricultural and forestry strengths were also refined through projects extracting cinnamon essential oil, processing medicinal herbs, and producing products for healthcare . The shift from exporting raw materials to refined products not only increased added value but also helped the locality become more self-reliant in the face of international market fluctuations.

Clean land plots are readily available for strategic investors.

To capitalize on the wave of investment relocation, in 2026, Lao Cai province will aggressively accelerate the process of creating land reserves. The goal is to complete at least 500 hectares of cleared land, ready for handover to strategic investors.

Lao Cai province is actively implementing land clearance at the Tran Yen Industrial Park to attract strategic investors.

According to the 2026-2030 planning period, the entire province will develop 20 industrial parks with a total area of ​​nearly 5,800 hectares and 50 industrial clusters with an area of ​​more than 2,647 hectares. A notable point in this spatial organization plan is the close connection between raw material areas and transportation infrastructure. Industrial parks are concentrated in Bat Xat and Bao Thang – areas near large mines such as Ta Phoi, Quy Xa, and Lang Giang. The entire network closely follows the Noi Bai - Lao Cai expressway and the future Lao Cai - Hai Phong high-speed railway line to optimize logistics costs.

Comrade Hoang Chi Hien – Director of the Department of Industry and Trade, said: The growth plan for the industry has been developed in detail for each sector. In particular, the province is focusing especially on new projects, copper smelting plants, and post-mining processing plants.

In many industrial zones and clusters, land clearance work is being actively implemented. For example, at the Thong Nhat Industrial Cluster in Gia Phu commune, even though the infrastructure is not yet complete, eight secondary investors have already registered to participate, demonstrating the strong appeal due to the local authorities' thorough preparation of the land.

Greening the heavy industry "hubs".

One of the key highlights in Lao Cai's industrial development strategy is "greening." The Tang Loong Industrial Park – considered a key area for metallurgy and chemicals nationwide – is being studied for transformation into a green, ecological industrial park model. Here, the circular economy and industrial symbiosis will be the foundation for solving the problem of harmonizing economic development and environmental protection.

Lao Cai province is transforming the Tang Loong Industrial Zone into an eco-industrial zone.
Photo: Mạnh Dũng

The province has also set stringent technical standards: 100% of operating industrial parks must have centralized wastewater treatment systems that meet standards. Besides heavy industry, new directions are being opened up with high-tech and clean energy sectors such as electronics manufacturing, software, and renewable energy equipment.

However, in reality, there are still bottlenecks that need to be addressed. In recent meetings, the provincial People's Committee leaders frankly pointed out that, alongside proactive localities like Gia Phu commune and Bac Cuong ward, there are still some areas that have not been decisive in land clearance, and some have even failed to establish steering committees to oversee the process. The lack of rooftop solar energy planning and obstacles related to procedures for oversized and overloaded vehicles transporting equipment for large projects are also barriers that need to be decisively resolved to avoid discouraging investors.

Long-term vision for growth poles

2026 is identified as a pivotal year when the province will implement large-scale adjustments. The relocation of the entire Dong Pho Moi Industrial Park and neighboring industrial clusters to make way for the national railway project is a historic decision, demonstrating a long-term vision for transportation infrastructure. Simultaneously, the establishment of at least two new industrial parks (Ban Qua and Vo Lao) and five industrial clusters this year will create new growth potential.

Thac Ba Hydroelectric Power Plant. Photo: Viet Vinh

The shift from mining to deep processing, from "brown" to "green," is not just about changing the numbers on growth reports. It represents a change in management thinking and the province's commitment to protecting resources and the environment for future generations. With thorough planning and decisive management, the scenario of double-digit growth for Lao Cai is gradually becoming clear in the clean land areas and modern factories that are taking shape.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/tang-ty-trong-che-bien-sau-giam-phu-thuoc-vao-khai-khoang-post893940.html