Agricultural production is moving toward higher value, with significant expansion in industrial crops such as macadamia and coffee. Crop and livestock diseases have been effectively controlled, and the number of forest fire incidents has markedly decreased. The industrial sector posted strong growth, with the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) rising by 11.32%, while investment in infrastructure construction progressed steadily. Trade, transportation, and telecommunications remained stable, with retail sales and consumer service revenues increasing nearly 18%, and tourism revenue reaching 62.2% of the annual target.

State budget revenue saw a sharp increase, up nearly 89% year-over-year. Land clearance and compensation efforts were actively pursued, with many local-level issues resolved in a timely manner. The first five-star hotel project in the province began operation, enhancing the province’s tourism and service infrastructure.

The cultural and tourism sectors also saw highlights, with the successful organization of major events such as the Ban Flower Festival, the Cherry Blossom Festival, and the 8th provincial Festival of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Ethnic Groups in 2025.

Public administration reform and institutional restructuring achieved tangible progress. The reorganization of commune-level administrative units was implemented on schedule. Key indicators such as PAR Index, PCI, and SIPAS improved, with the administrative reform index reaching a record-high 88.23%. Implementation of Project 06 has contributed to administrative modernization. Science, technology, and digital transformation were carried out in line with central and provincial directives and began yielding practical results, notably with smart rice cultivation models that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Social welfare, poverty reduction, and improving living standards remained key priorities. Nearly 4,900 dilapidated homes were built or renovated with total support funding of nearly VND 225 billion. Social security policies were synchronously implemented, and healthcare and education service quality continued to improve. Over 95% of households now have access to the national power grid.

National defense and security were maintained, with political stability and public order generally ensured. No complex or high-risk incidents occurred. External relations and international cooperation were sustained, expanded, and effectively implemented.

These achievements provide a strong foundation for accelerating sustainable economic growth. However, several challenges remain. Public investment and national target programs have yet to reach full effectiveness. Public investment disbursement is at 39.07%, while funding for national target programs stands at only 28.03%. Several projects are delayed, and some capital allocations remain ineligible for disbursement. Land-use revenue fell short of projections. Most private-sector investment projects are progressing slowly and have not met investor commitments.

Investment mobilization remains limited. Total social investment capital declined by 8.95% compared to the same period last year. The province lacks major projects, and businesses and cooperatives continue to struggle.

The number of tourists and tourism revenue declined significantly from the previous year. New tourism products, especially in sports, adventure, and entertainment, have not been developed. There is no mechanism in place to support the maintenance or expansion of new air routes, affecting tourism connectivity and development.

These limitations stem from the province’s geographic location, being mountainous and far from major economic centers, coupled with poor transportation infrastructure, high investment costs, and limited capacity to mobilize resources. Investment attraction remains challenging. Moreover, the 2025 national target program funding was allocated late, affecting implementation timelines. Extreme weather, natural disasters, diseases, and climate change continue to negatively impact production and livelihoods.

To overcome these difficulties and bring more bright spots to the province’s economic picture in the final months of the year, consensus and concerted efforts are required from all levels of government, sectors, the business community, and the people. Stronger leadership and guidance are needed from provincial to local levels. Urgency is necessary in implementing programs and projects, especially in planning, preparing, and executing national target program projects.

Departments and sectors must collaborate to resolve bottlenecks, particularly in land clearance. Procedures for project approval must be expedited. Contractors should be urged and supervised to ensure project quality, technical standards, and labor safety. These efforts will help unlock land and state capital resources, spurring economic growth.

On another front, attention must be paid to training, recruiting, and deploying highly qualified civil servants, especially in science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation. This is crucial for implementing Resolution 57 of the Politburo on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, an essential condition and valuable opportunity for Vietnam and Điện Biên Province to develop into a strong and prosperous region in the new era.