He made this request during a meeting with the department on the progress of science, technology, and innovation activities for the 2021-2024 period and plans for 2030.

Vice Chairmen of the Provincial People’s Committee, Vừ A Bằng and Lò Văn Tiến, also attended the meeting.

The department reported that during 2021-2024, 36 science and technology tasks were implemented in the province. Numerous advancements in livestock and crop production, particularly in aquaculture, were transferred to businesses in the province and applied to practical production, helping to create jobs, increase incomes for people in remote areas and ethnic minority regions, and enhance the technological capacity of local businesses.

The department has regularly focused on strengthening its organisational structure in accordance with regulations. Its professional tasks related to science, technology, and innovation have been comprehensively and effectively implemented. Some research and application activities have yielded good results, establishing brands and reputations for certain agricultural products in the market.

The department also promptly advised the province on issuing directives, amending and supplementing policies, and regulating the management of science and technology activities to meet local practical needs.

Additionally, the department advised the province to propose 13 national-level science and technology tasks to the Ministry of Science and Technology, which approved them under various programmes, including those for rural and mountainous areas and intellectual property development.

It also recommended 16 provincial-level science and technology tasks to the Provincial People's Committee, overseeing the transfer of 26 scientific research projects and programs to various local agencies and units. The department has been guiding the effective implementation of provincial policies supporting science and technology activities, contributing to achieving the province’s socio-economic development, national defence, and security goals for 2021-2024.

Looking ahead to 2030, the department said it will continue to intensify the application of science and technology in production and implement science and technology programs to increase the productivity and quality of key local products such as Tủa Chùa tea, Mường Ảng coffee, and macadamia nuts in Tuần Giáo, Mường Nhé, Mường Ảng, and Điện Biên districts and Điện Biên Phủ City.

The department will also focus on researching and developing valuable medicinal plants, advancing the application of science and technology in the processing of agricultural and forestry products, tree planting, and wood processing.

It will further promote the application of biotechnology and high technology in agriculture, medicine, environmental protection, and the development of the province’s OCOP (One Commune, One Product) products.

The department will guide and support businesses in adopting quality management systems, advanced management tools, and certifications for products, goods, food safety management systems, and product traceability systems that meet national and international standards, as well as VietGAP (Vietnam Good Agricultural Practices).

Speaking at the meeting, Cường acknowledged and highly appreciated the results achieved by the department during the 2021-2024 period.

He emphasised that the Provincial Party Standing Committee had just approved the investment project for the aquaculture experiment and breeding farm model in Điện Biên Province in Chăn Nuôi 2 Hamlet, Thanh Xương Commune, Điện Biên District. This project aims not only to provide aquatic breeds for local farmers but also to serve as a research, testing, and trial site for new crop and livestock varieties before they are widely introduced into production.

Therefore, Cường called on the department to work closely with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and other relevant agencies and localities to implement the project from the outset for smooth execution in later stages.

The Provincial Party Secretary also requested research in the fields of culture and tourism, advising the provincial leaders on potential projects to develop new branded products that capitalise on local strengths and enhance the province's competitiveness in the market.

He emphasised the importance of linking scientific research with business production activities, positioning businesses at the center of innovation. He also highlighted the need to effectively allocate funding, as regulated, to support businesses and localities in carrying out projects related to the research and application of science and technology in practice.