Over nearly five years, many projects have been implemented, transforming the face of both urban and rural areas and opening up new development space. However, the process still faces major challenges, especially slow capital disbursement, requiring stronger, more synchronized action in this final stretch to lay a solid foundation for the next stage.

For this period, the province was allocated over VND 17,761 billion in public investment capital. Funds were arranged more strategically, gradually overcoming dispersion and waste. Authorities strengthened responsibility in selecting, approving, and allocating funds according to set objectives, ensuring transparency. Across the province, 1,185 projects and works have been approved in various sectors.

Transportation infrastructure improved with over 625km of roads upgraded or newly built, including key routes such as the 60m Road, the Dynamic Road, DT143, and the Na Sang - Tủa Chùa route, enhancing regional connectivity. In agriculture, irrigation works and reservoirs like Nậm Khẩu Hu, Ẳng Cang, and Huổi Trạng Tai provide stable water supply and sustainable livelihoods. The “Bừng sáng Điện Biên” program brought electricity to thousands of remote households. In health and education, new hospitals and schools improved service quality.

Yet, challenges remain. Capital disbursement has been uneven, with some projects delayed due to administrative procedures and land clearance issues. Connectivity between infrastructure projects is sometimes lacking, reducing efficiency. By the end of 2025, the medium-term disbursement rate is estimated at 89.5% of the provincial plan: 79.2% in 2021, 95.6% in 2022, 85.5% in 2023, 90.4% in 2024, and an expected 99.1% in 2025.

The Department of Finance points to key causes: land-use revenue shortfalls, slow ODA disbursement, and major projects such as Sơn La Hydropower Resettlement, Project 666, and Project 79 lacking conditions for implementation despite being allocated funds. For example, land-use revenue had a planned allocation of VND 1,435 billion, but actual collection was very limited: just 7.5% in 2022, 14.4% in 2023, and 18.5% in 2024.

Investment preparation, especially land clearance, has been problematic. Many projects dragged on, such as the 60m Road, the Broadcasting and Technical Center project, and drainage canals at resettlement areas. Progress of the three national target programs has also been slow, affecting overall disbursement. Some major projects extended into following years, while advances remain unrecovered. Limited capacity of some investors, contractors, and project managers has also delayed acceptance, payment, and settlement. In addition, leadership in some units has not been decisive, inter-agency coordination ineffective, and consultancy dossiers of poor quality.

Recently, the province reviewed accountability for agencies failing to meet 2024 disbursement targets. Of 37 funded units, 16 disbursed below 95%. Three were exempted from review due to near-target results or objective reasons, while 13 units conducted collective and individual reviews. Causes included expired project tasks, VAT reduction policies, and land clearance delays after the 2024 Land Law took effect. Though no disciplinary action was imposed, annual disbursement results will now serve as key criteria for evaluating and rewarding leaders.

Looking ahead, Điện Biên estimates medium-term public investment needs for 2026 - 2030 at around VND 64,786 billion. The province will prioritize large, impactful projects, accelerate modern infrastructure development, and avoid fragmented allocations. The number of projects funded by central government will be reduced by 40-50% compared to the previous period, focusing on urgent, nationally important works, advance repayments, and projects already completed but not fully funded.

The 2021 - 2025 public investment cycle shows achievements but also persistent shortcomings, particularly in capital disbursement. Public investment only truly delivers when funds are disbursed on time, projects are completed as scheduled, and benefits reach people quickly. With strong political will and public consensus, Điện Biên aims for breakthroughs in 2026 - 2030, turning public investment into a true driver of sustainable development.