At the working session, representatives from the provincial People's Committee summarised the socio-economic development situation, international integration efforts, and local foreign affairs activities. Accordingly, Điện Biên's Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) for the first six months of the year reached 8.75 per cent, with the economic structure shifting in the right direction. Tourism continues to be a highlight of economic growth, with the number of tourists visiting Điện Biên increasing 2.18 times compared to the same period in 2023. Cultural and social aspects have seen positive changes; the province has successfully organised numerous cultural, sports, and tourism events, particularly the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory.
In foreign affairs, Điện Biên and the northern provinces of Laos regularly send delegations at various levels to exchange experiences and implement cooperation activities. With the northern provinces of Thailand, Điện Biên continues to carry out the human resources training project for the province. The cooperative and friendly relations with Yunnan province and other provinces in China have always been maintained, strengthened, and developed. Điện Biên continues to facilitate and closely cooperate with foreign non-governmental organisations to fully implement the agreed contents. The entire province has received 17 new aid packages, with a total committed value of over VND133 billion, funded by seven foreign non-governmental organisations and four foreign agencies and organisations.
Điện Biên Province requests the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to advise and propose to the Government to provide financial support for the province to effectively implement cooperation initiatives to assist the northern provinces of Laos, in line with the policies set by the Government and central ministries and agencies. The province also seeks to expand foreign relations with localities in Yunnan province (China) and the northern provinces of Thailand. There is a need to focus on and prioritise programmes and projects for building and upgrading infrastructure in border gate areas, especially roads to the border, patrol roads, and border marker protection systems, to facilitate the management and protection forces in inspecting and controlling the border line and markers. Financial support is also requested for investing in essential infrastructure in the A Pa Chải open route area, particularly for connecting the transportation system.
Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is requested to support the promotion of the province's potential and benefits, organise foreign affairs activities combined with investment, trade, and tourism promotion, and introduce and connect diplomatic missions and foreign businesses to Điện Biên to explore and seek investment cooperation opportunities. The province also seeks support in expanding air routes and continued prioritisation in coordinating and arranging programmes and projects of foreign non-governmental organisations.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn highly praised Điện Biên Province's recent achievements in socio-economic development, national defence, security, and foreign affairs. A notable highlight was the successful, meticulous, safe, and effective organisation of activities commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory, including the celebration, parade, and procession. These events ignited patriotic traditions and national pride, leaving a lasting and positive impression of Điện Biên on the people of Việt Nam and international friends.
The Minister requested specific guidance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to help Điện Biên Province expedite the construction of the A Pa Chải - Long Phú border gate area, recognising its potential for economic and tourism development. Additionally, he emphasised establishing connections with companies in Northeast Asia to facilitate labour export cooperation with Điện Biên Province.
On this occasion, the Minister of Foreign Affairs presented 20 gifts (each worth VNĐ1.2 million) to trade union members in difficult circumstances; 10 gifts to impoverished workers; support for building three solidarity houses with a total value of VNĐ150 million; VNĐ100 million for constructing a boarding kitchen for Ma Thì Hồ Secondary School (Mường Chà District); and VNĐ200 million for a programme supporting children with disabilities in Điện Biên Province to attend school.
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