Amidst deepening international integration, Điện Biên actively engaged in cultural, economic, and political cooperation, contributing to socio-economic development and improving local living standards. The province also played a key role in fostering international cooperation, particularly with ASEAN member states and neighboring countries.

Despite facing a number of challenges, Điện Biên effectively implemented foreign policy across various fields, including Party diplomacy, people-to-people diplomacy, economic diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, and border diplomacy. Throughout the year, the province organized 57 delegations working abroad, including 11 led by the provincial leadership, 22 by departments and local authorities; and participated in 24 international delegations. Additionally, 36 delegations with 70 officials were approved for overseas missions. These efforts not only expanded Điện Biên’s global ties but also created opportunities for economic, trade, and cultural cooperation.

A highlight of the year was the visit of a Điện Biên delegation, led by Mr. Trần Quốc Cường, Member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, to Saint Petersburg, Russia, on November 29, 2024. During the visit, a cooperation agreement was signed, covering trade, economy, science and technology, as well as cultural exchanges such as hosting fairs and exhibitions, making contribution to strengthening long-term ties and cooperation between the two localities.

In 2024, Điện Biên also witnessed a surge in international delegations visiting the province, with 71 delegations comprising 731 individuals, an increase of 34 delegations compared to 2023. Many of these visits focused on investment opportunities, research, and development assistance. Notably, the French Development Agency (AFD) engaged in discussions on agricultural cooperation and climate change impacts, committing a grant of EUR 1.5 million for a reservoir project in Tuần Giáo District to improve local infrastructure and rural development.

The province signed 19 international agreements in 2024, an increase of 14 from the previous year, demonstrating substantial growth in both quantity and quality of foreign relations. These agreements covered education, agriculture, healthcare, trade, and transportation, particularly with northern Lao provinces such as Bokeo, Phongsaly, Oudomxay, Luang Prabang, and Luang Namtha. Điện Biên currently has 7 students studying at Suphanuvong University in Laos, while 110 Lao students are enrolled in Điện Biên. Additionally, the province trained 25 Lao officials, supported agricultural initiatives such as macadamia cultivation and technical transfers, provided medical treatment for 868 Lao patients, and issued 1,069 Vietnam-Laos cross-border road transport permits.

Recognizing these achievements, Điện Biên was honored with the Friendship Order and Friendship Medal by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for its significant contribution to the bilateral relations. Individuals such as Mr. Trần Văn Sơn, Minister-Chairman of the Government Office, who is former Secretary of the Điện Biên Provincial Party Committee, and Ms. Lò Mai Trinh, former Secretary of the Điện Biên Provincial Party Committee, were presented with the Friendship Order for their contribution to Phongsaly’s socio-economic development in the 2019 - 2024 period.

In cooperation with Yunnan Province, China, Điện Biên facilitated delegation exchanges, organized cultural and sports events, and promoted trade and investment. The province participated in activities such as the “Lan Phương Cup” football tournament and the Xiuqiu Tossing Festival in Yunnan. Economic and social development initiatives along the shared borderline were effectively implemented. Additionally, Điện Biên sought partnerships with localities in Japan, France, the Republic of Korea, and the Dominican Republic.

Điện Biên also pursued robust economic diplomacy in 2024, aligning with the Secretariat’s Directive No.15-CT/TW on economic diplomacy. The province worked with agencies, businesses, and international organizations to integrate diplomacy with economic and social development. Điện Biên participated in international cooperation events such as the Development Bridge Forum, the Cherry Blossom and Bombax Ceiba Festivals in Laos, and delegations to international organizations like Vestas (Denmark) and AFD (France) to attract investment.

Cultural diplomacy was another highlight, with Điện Biên actively engaging in the National Tourism Year 2024 under the theme “Glorious Điện Biên Phủ - Endless Experience.” The province organized 169 national and international cultural, sports, and tourism events, including the Cherry Blossom Festival, the Bauhinia Flower Festival, and the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory. These events significantly boosted tourism, attracting approximately 11,500 international visitors - 1.31 times more than in 2023, while enhancing Điện Biên’s global reputation and fostering international partnerships.

As a result, Điện Biên’s foreign economic relations witnessed positive transformations in 2024. The province’s total import-export turnover reached USD 139.96 million, an 8.21% increase from the previous year, surpassing the annual target by 7.66%. Export turnover was estimated at USD 93.35 million (a 7.54% decrease from the previous year but exceeding the target by 6.08%), while import turnover reached USD 46.61 million, marking a 64.24% increase. The province also secured 31 new aid packages worth VNĐ 169.95 billion (USD 7.39 million), an increase of VNĐ 141.89 billion from the previous year, with funding directed toward healthcare, education, and agriculture, contributing to social welfare and poverty reduction.

Điện Biên’s remarkable foreign relations achievements in 2024 not only played a crucial role in the province’s overall development but also strengthened its global standing. These accomplishments lay a solid foundation for the province to further its diplomatic endeavors, particularly in green transformation, digitalization, and high-tech industries. Going forward, Điện Biên will continue improving transport infrastructure, particularly at international border gates, to attract investment and ensure sustainable development. The province also aims to expand cooperation in education, healthcare, agriculture, and culture while fostering economic ties with international organizations and foreign embassies. By strengthening traditional and neighboring partnerships, Điện Biên seeks to diversify and deepen its international cooperation efforts in the coming years.