From the spirit of the great spring victory…

The Great 1975 Spring Victory stands as an immortal epic in the nation’s history, affirming the indomitable will and aspiration for peace and unity of the Vietnamese people. For Điện Biên - a land etched in history with a victory that “resounded across the five continents and shook the globe” -  this triumph carries even deeper meaning, serving as a strong source of encouragement and reinforcing the confidence of ethnic communities as they build their homeland.

After national reunification, Điện Biên faced immense difficulties: underdeveloped infrastructure, fragmented production, and widespread hardship. Fields and villages once scarred by war had to be rebuilt from scratch. With resilience forged through years of conflict, the people of Điện Biên united, persevered, and gradually stabilized their lives, rebuilding their homeland from the most basic foundations.

Recalling the early days after reunification, Lê Hữu Thảo, 95, from Điện Biên Phủ ward, shared: “At that time, the landscape was still very primitive. The central area had only a few scattered tiled houses, with almost no offices or institutions. Wet rice cultivation was limited because people were used to upland farming; most of the Mường Thanh basin was used for grazing livestock. Agricultural production was small scale, low yield, and of little economic value. People’s lives were extremely difficult and lacking in every aspect.”

Thanks to the Nậm Rốm irrigation system, barren lands were gradually reclaimed and expanded into agricultural and forestry production areas, contributing to food security. According to provincial agricultural data, in the years following the Điện Biên Phủ Campaign, the province could only grow one rice crop per year, leaving another season fallow, with very low yields. After the irrigation system became operational, productivity improved significantly, gradually enhancing people’s livelihoods.

Alongside the fight against hunger, the Party, authorities, and people focused on eliminating illiteracy and rebuilding the homeland from the ruins of war. The spirit of great national unity continued to be strengthened through cultural exchanges, mutual support, and socio-economic development, forming a crucial internal driving force for Điện Biên’s growth.

…to the journey of renewal

Despite the hardships, drawing on the heroic Điện Biên Phủ tradition, the Party, government, and people of all ethnic groups have focused on strengthening the political system and tapping local potential to develop the economy, culture, and society, and reduce poverty. Over the years, the face of Điện Biên Phủ city has become increasingly modern and well-developed.

After more than five decades, the former battlefield has been transformed into modern infrastructure. The Mường Thanh airstrip built during the French colonial period has been upgraded into Điện Biên Airport, capable of accommodating large aircraft. Transport infrastructure, including road networks, urban areas, and rural systems, has been developed in a synchronized manner. The agricultural economy has grown strongly, driven by high-tech farming projects, large scale production zones, OCOP products, and rural industries that are gradually establishing their brands and securing a firm foothold in the market. Industry and trade have maintained steady growth over the years. Tourism has emerged as a key economic sector, offering a diverse range of products spanning historical, cultural, and rural experiences. Meanwhile, people’s material and spiritual well-being continues to improve, alongside comprehensive development in culture and education.

During the 2021-2025 period, Điện Biên’s economy maintained a solid growth trajectory compared to the regional average, with an annual growth rate of 8.76% and a positive shift in economic structure. In 2025 alone, GRDP (at constant prices) was estimated at VND 17.235 trillion, with per capita GRDP reaching approximately VND 54 million. State budget revenue in the area totaled VND 2.0623 trillion. Total social investment capital for the 2021-2025 period exceeded VND 81.844 trillion, marking a 72.04% increase compared to 2016-2020.

The tourism sector recorded impressive growth, welcoming 5.5 million visitors over the period and generating estimated revenue of more than VND 9.4 trillion. Poverty reduction efforts achieved notable results, with the multidimensional poverty rate falling to 17.66% by 2025, decreasing by an average of 3.97% annually, thereby contributing to improved living standards.

Transport infrastructure in Điện Biên has been increasingly developed in a modern and synchronized manner, standing out as a key highlight. Notably, the upgrade and expansion of Điện Biên Airport exemplify this progress. From a former makeshift airstrip, after 70 years, it has evolved into a modern airport capable of accommodating large aircraft, expanding development space and creating new growth momentum for the province and the Northwest region.

Building on its legacy, Điện Biên is strongly promoting the “Điện Biên Phủ spirit” in peacetime as a driving force for breakthroughs in the new phase, particularly in 2026 - the first year of implementing the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress.

Based on resolutions of the Government, the provincial Party Committee, and the provincial People’s Council, along with practical requirements, Điện Biên has set a clear GRDP growth target of 11.02% for 2026. Of this, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries are expected to grow by 4.03%; industry and construction by 17.46%; and services by 10.81%.

To achieve these goals, the province is focusing on key breakthroughs: accelerating industrial projects, prioritizing investment in renewable energy; restructuring agriculture toward commodity-based, green, and sustainable production linked with processing; and developing services, with tourism as a spearhead sector, while strengthening connectivity and investment attraction. At the same time, Điện Biên continues to streamline its administrative apparatus, promote decentralization, tighten administrative discipline, enhance accountability of leaders, and emphasize tangible effectiveness as a key performance measure.

After more than half a century of national reunification, Điện Biên continues to uphold its revolutionary tradition, steadily advancing with a spirit of self-reliance and resilience on its journey of development. From a former battlefield, today’s Điện Biên is proactively opening up, attracting investment, accelerating economic restructuring, and striving to become a fast-growing, sustainable province rich in the cultural identity of the Northwest region.