Thanks to strong investment from the Party and the State, the face of Điện Biên’s rural areas has transformed remarkably in recent years. Agricultural products and goods from remote areas now have a greater chance of reaching broader markets. This proves that the policy of “transportation must go first” has been a wise investment strategy, unlocking bottlenecks and awakening the potential of distant regions.

For years, the familiar refrain of “bumper crops, falling prices” or unsold produce was common in many remote areas of Điện Biên. While there were many causes, the biggest barrier was the lack of adequate transportation, especially in mountainous and border districts like Mường Nhé, Nậm Pồ, and the former Điện Biên Đông. In those days, the only narrow, rocky, and muddy roads were a nightmare for locals. During the rainy season, landslides frequently isolated entire communities, cutting them off from trade and daily travel. Bananas, corn, and other produce could only be sold cheaply to the few traders who could reach the villages, or worse, left to spoil because transport was impossible. When farmers couldn’t bring their goods to market, they were forced to sell at whatever price traders offered, locking them in a vicious cycle of poverty despite their fertile land and hard work.

Recognizing the crucial role of transportation infrastructure, the Party, the State, and the provincial government have made major investments, especially through national target programs and the new rural development initiative. Newly built roads have shortened distances and transformed rural life. During the last term, the province focused on several key infrastructure projects, such as the expansion of Điện Biên airport, the connecting route between National Highways 279 and 12, and the 7/5 Road. Feasibility studies have also been carried out for the Sơn La - Điện Biên - Tây Trang expressway, the A Pa Chải Border Gate Economic Zone, and Road 4H connecting to national highway 12. By 2025, Điện Biên province is expected to have 9,212 kilometers of roads, an increase of 874 kilometers from 2020, with 96.9% of communes accessible by car.

In previous years, many villages in Na Sang commune were considered disadvantaged. The local economy relied heavily on agriculture, but poor road access meant products were difficult to sell, as large trucks couldn’t reach the villages. Now, with improved transport infrastructure, 85.77% of the commune’s inter-village and main roads have been concreted, while 77.2% of internal village roads have been paved. Over the past term, Na Sang has built or upgraded more than 10 kilometers of roads, constructed five concrete bridges, and repaired five suspension bridges. These new roads have opened up opportunities for local production and agricultural trade.

Thèn Pả village in Na Sang commune is home to the Xạ Phang ethnic group. Blessed with stunning natural scenery and a distinctive culture, the village is also known for its ancient tea trees. Located about 10 kilometers from national highway 12, the improved road network has helped make Thèn Pả’s tea more widely known. “In the past, few people knew about our tea; we mostly drank it ourselves”, said Sần Seo Ngấn, a local villager. “Now that the concrete road reaches the village and cars can get in, our traditional tea products are reaching many more customers.”

Roads are not the only factor. Waterway transport also plays a vital role in certain areas. In Mường Lay ward, when the Sơn La hydropower reservoir begins filling up each September, a vibrant trade route comes to life on the water. “After months of low water, when boats are docked for maintenance, this is our busiest season”, said Đỗ Văn Tới, a boat owner in residential group 8. “From the time the water rises until it drops again, we’re fully occupied, carrying all kinds of goods, mainly corn, cassava, rice, and daily necessities, to and from villages along the reservoir”. Each boat trip costs between VND 1 - 5 million depending on distance and cargo weight, providing income for boat owners while serving as a vital transport lifeline for hundreds of households in Mường Lay.

Today, Điện Biên has a relatively complete transport network, from national and provincial highways to commune, village, and inland waterway routes. Many completed infrastructure projects have not only facilitated faster goods circulation but also reduced transportation costs and improved market access for locals. In practice, transportation that “goes first” always brings long-term benefits: once roads are built, electricity lines extended, and the internet connected, economic, cultural, and tourism development soon follows. In places where people once “walked all day just to reach the main road”, transportation has truly become the key driver for comprehensive socio-economic growth.