This result reflects a clear shift in the direction and management of socio-economic development by local authorities, as well as the concerted efforts of the business community and residents. These early achievements establish a vital foundation for the province as it pursues a comprehensive annual growth target of 11.02% for the year.

In the first quarter of 2026, amidst a spirit of trust and consensus among the Party, government, and ethnic communities, the provincial economic picture recorded several bright spots. The Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) increased by an estimated 9.04% compared to the same period last year, ranking Điện Biên 4th out of 9 northern mountainous provinces and 13th among 34 cities and provinces in the respective comparison group.

The growth structure reveals that the “locomotive” sectors achieved high growth rates, with services estimated at over VND 4,427.8 billion (up 9.12%) and the industry and construction sector reaching over VND 1,109.9 billion (up 12.67%). The tourism industry, in particular, recorded an impressive leap, welcoming approximately 550,000 visitors, a 29% increase, and generating nearly VND 1,000 billion in revenue. High-profile cultural activities and the Ban Flower Festival effectively promoted the image of Điện Biên’s people and cultural identity, leaving a lasting impression on both domestic and international tourists.

Agriculture continues to serve as the “backbone” of the economy, with staple crops like coffee, macadamia, rubber, and fruit trees developing well. The province has prepared extensively to plant over 5,000 hectares of coffee and 2,500 hectares of macadamia in 2026, aiming to build large-scale commodity production zones. Furthermore, public investment disbursement reached over VND 711 billion by March 19, accounting for 16.64% of the Prime Minister’s plan and ranking the province 2nd nationwide. This rapid disbursement triggers social resources, accelerates key projects, and improves local competitiveness.

Despite these successes, the growth rate in the first quarter has not yet met the peak targets of the established growth scenario. Difficulties have been identified, including budget revenue from land use fees and lottery activities falling short of expectations, slow progress on some major non-budget investment projects, and challenges in site clearance. In response, Điện Biên has determined a set of synchronized solutions to resolve these bottlenecks and unlock further momentum for a target of 9.66% growth in the second quarter.

The province is prioritizing the completion of critical infrastructure, such as the Thanh Minh-Độc Lập road project by June 30, 2026, and accelerating the first phase of the Sơn La-Điện Biên-Tây Trang Expressway. These strategic axes are expected to remove logistical barriers that have long hindered the region’s development. In the agricultural sector, the restructuring toward high-value commodity production is being paired with the pilot of a “low-altitude spatial economic model,” which is expected to create a breakthrough for the rural economy.

To maintain long-term stability, Điện Biên is aggressively activating its service and tourism sectors while diversifying products to increase visitor stay duration and spending. The province is also focusing on the industrial sector by promoting energy projects, particularly solar, hydroelectric, and wind power. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI) applications in management and production, and fostering digital agriculture, the province is opening up entirely new spaces for growth.

The guiding spirit of “only discuss doing, do not discuss retreating” is transforming determination into concrete actions with clear responsibilities and results. This proactive stance is building firm confidence in the province’s ability to reach its ambitious double-digit growth target for 2026, ensuring that Điện Biên continues to modernize while preserving its unique historical and cultural heritage.