Attending the meeting were Trần Quốc Cường, member of the Party Central Committee and secretary of the provincial Party Committee; Mùa A Sơn, permanent deputy secretary of the provincial Party Committee; and Lê Thành Đô, deputy secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People's Committee.

At the meeting, the provincial Party Secretary Trần Quốc Cường made several recommendations on key projects.

For the first phase of the Sơn La – Điện Biên – Tây Trang Border Gate Expressway project, he requested the Ministry of Transport to consider and report to the Government for approval to implement the project under a BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) contract and to include it in the project list of Appendix I of Resolution 106/2023/QH15 dated November 28, 2023, of the National Assembly on piloting some special policies on road construction investment (with the State's capital participation rate not exceeding 70 per cent of the total project investment).

The province also requested the competent authorities to support the state capital participation in the project with central budget funds, covering an investment scope of 39km. Of that, there were 2.8km of tunnel works and 7.4km of bridge works, with a total investment of over VNĐ11.55 trillion (US$455.3 million).

According to the preliminary financial plan, the State will contribute about VNĐ8.08 trillion ($318.5 million), accounting for 70 per cent of total capital, while the investor will raise VNĐ3.46 trillion ($136.4 million), with a payback period of approximately 27 years.

Điện Biên Province will be responsible for arranging funds for compensation, site clearance, and resettlement.

The province also requested the ministry to consider and invest in several other projects, such as upgrading and renovating National Highways 279 and 4H connecting to northern Laos and China; repairing and expanding the section of National Highway 279 bypassing Tuần Giáo Town in Tuần Giáo District); and investing in the section of National Highway 279 from Tuần Giáo to Than Uyên, Lai Châu.

It proposed investing in roads and bridges on the route: Huổi Lóng - Tủa Chùa Town - Xá Nhè - Huổi Só - Pê Răng Ky - Sông Đà - Nậm Lốt, Nậm Hăn - Nậm Cuổi - Căn Co Commune Centre - Noong Hẻo - Séo Lèng - Sìn Hồ Town.

Regarding air transport, Cường asked the ministry to support and guide the province in operating new flight routes and international flights to Điện Biên Airport. Meanwhile, it will coordinate with the Ministry of National Defence and related units to issue international flight permits according to regulations.

He also urged the ministry to discuss with China the extension of the regular international passenger transport route from Ma Lù Thàng International Border Gate in Phong Thổ District of the northern province of Lai Châu and the Jinshuihe border gate of China's Yunnan Province to Điện Biên Phủ City.

Cường emphasised that as a mountainous province with challenging terrain and limited investment resources, most of the main inter-provincial and inter-district roads have been invested mainly as low-grade mountain roads with temporary measures.

Therefore, the demand for investment in the transport infrastructure system is very large and urgent, especially the Sơn La – Điện Biên – Tây Trang Border Gate expressway project, which will create a foundation for promoting local socio-economic development.

Cường expressed his hope that the ministry and Đèo Cả Group will study and apply regulations to implement the project. The province is determined to allocate resources to clear the project's land.

At the meeting, Minister of Transport Nguyễn Văn Thắng shared the province’s difficulties and challenges, such as difficulties in attracting investment, low budget revenue, limited transport infrastructure, predominantly mountainous terrain hindering industrial and commercial economic development, a small-scale economy, and complex issues related to the illegal trade and transport of narcotics.

The minister suggested that the province should maximise its potential, promote economic growth, improve the living standards of its people, and ensure national defense and security.

In particular, the province should leverage the historical significance of the Điện Biên Phủ battlefield, preserve ethnic cultural heritage, exploit the advantages of the airport, and capitalise on favourable climate and soil conditions to develop macadamia and fruit trees.

The province should also focus on tourism development and goods consumption when upgrading the A Pa Chải border gate. Additionally, efforts should be made to attract investment in tourism services, develop a night economy zone, and focus on wind power and ongoing hydroelectric projects, he added.

Regarding the expressway projects, Thắng agreed with the proposals from Điện Biên Province on the route direction, the BOT contract type, and the financial plan with the state participating in approximately 70 per cent.

However, he requested a review to reduce the total investment cost to ensure the project's cost-effectiveness and to shorten the payback period, as 27 years is too long. He emphasised the need to expedite the completion of procedures so that the project can be completed no later than 2027.

He said the ministry will facilitate the central procedures to help the local authorities implement the project as soon as possible. For other projects, the minister acknowledged and agreed, assigning relevant agencies to study and guide the local authorities in implementation.

To commemorate the 77th anniversary of Vietnamese War Invalids and Martyrs Day, Minister Thắng and the working delegation visited and offered incense in tribute to the martyrs at the Transport Martyrs Cemetery in Sam Mứn Commune in Điện Biên District.