Looking back at 2025, despite facing numerous challenges from natural disasters and epidemics, the socio-economic situation of the province witnessed positive shifts thanks to the concentrated leadership of the provincial Party Committee and the efforts of the entire community. The scale of the economy expanded with a shift toward industry, construction, and services, resulting in a GRDP of over VND 17,547 billion, a 7.34% increase over the previous year. Infrastructure investment and the living standards of the people have also seen steady improvements.

The province has focused its leadership on implementing a two-level local government model in accordance with central directives, which has enhanced administrative efficiency and created a foundation for rapid development. As the world and regional contexts remain complex in 2026, the requirement to innovate growth models and sharpen competitiveness has become increasingly urgent. Điện Biên must demonstrate a high level of solidarity and self-reliance to seize opportunities and overcome challenges. The overarching requirement is to create growth breakthroughs while ensuring economic stability, improving the business environment, and maintaining national defense and security.

Based on the resolutions of the Government and the provincial Party Committee, the province has defined a specific GRDP growth scenario for 2026. This plan aims for a 4.03% increase in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, a 17.46% surge in industry and construction, and a 10.81% rise in the service sector. To achieve these targets, the provincial People’s Committee has issued decisions on socio-economic development plans and budget estimates, while requiring all departments to implement several key solutions synchronously.

The first priority involves the timely issuance of local legal frameworks and programs that shift the administrative mindset from “management” to “enabling development.” This change is essential for unlocking stagnant resources and improving the quality of law enforcement. Furthermore, the province is committed to a drastic improvement of the investment and business environment. In 2026, the goal is to cut administrative processing times and compliance costs by at least 50% compared to 2024. By utilizing digital data, the province ensures that citizens and businesses will not have to resubmit previously digitized documents, thereby preventing the emergence of impractical new regulations.

Regarding fiscal policy, the province continues to promote growth linked with economic stability while refreshing traditional drivers like investment and consumption. Financial discipline remains a priority to ensure full and timely budget collection, particularly from e-commerce and retail sectors, with a total revenue target of VND 2,310 billion for 2026. Public investment disbursement will also be accelerated from the beginning of the year, especially for key provincial projects and national target programs.

A fundamental shift in the growth model toward productivity and innovation is also underway, placing human resources and science at the center of development. In the industrial sector, the province focuses on the efficient operation of hydropower plants and the acceleration of renewable energy projects to create new growth momentum. Agriculture is being restructured toward green and smart commodity production under Resolution No.11-NQ/TU to increase value and provide stable income for residents. Simultaneously, the service sector is implementing Resolution No.12-NQ/TU to transform tourism into a spearhead economic industry with deep domestic and international connections.

Finally, the province continues to refine its administrative apparatus through increased decentralization and the heightened accountability of department heads. Administrative discipline is being tightened alongside a rigorous evaluation process that uses actual results as the primary measure of success. With high determination and decisive action, the provincial People’s Committee is confident in steering all sectors and localities toward the successful fulfillment of the socio-economic development targets set for 2026.

Lê Văn Lương

Deputy Secretary of the Điện Biên provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee