Under Decision No.1719/QD-TTg approved by the Prime Minister on the national target program for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas for 2021-2030, Economic - Defense Unit 379 has effectively translated policy into action. Since 2022, the unit has rolled out a wide range of production support projects worth more than VND 101 billion, benefiting over 4,800 households - mostly ethnic minorities, low-income, or near-poor families in remote and border communes in Điện Biên province and Lai Châu province-  helping them improve their economic conditions and stabilize their lives.

As part of the project on socio-economic development that links soldiers with local communities in ethnic and mountainous areas, this October, Economic - Defense Unit 379 handed over 24 breeding buffaloes to families in Nậm Kè, Phiêng Vai, Huổi Hốc, and Huổi Hẹt villages of Nậm Kè commune. The beneficiaries are disadvantaged households with the determination to escape poverty. Each family received a breeding buffalo to raise and expand their herd, supporting agricultural production and sustainable economic growth.

Nguyễn Tiến Thành, Chairman of the Nậm Kè commune People’s Committee, said the Unit has always stood by the local authorities in poverty reduction, economic development, and new rural construction. “Their practical support has brought great confidence and motivation to residents”, he noted. “We will make full use of the assistance, take good care of the buffalo herd, and scale up the model. We will also closely coordinate with the unit to provide technical guidance, periodic monitoring, and ongoing support to ensure long-term effectiveness.”

So far, the unit has organized 132 technical training courses and deployed 18 effective production models, including cattle, buffalo, goat, and horse breeding; fish farming (carp hybrids, grass carp, mono-sex tilapia); and cultivation of jackfruit, mango, pear, cinnamon, Michelia tonkinensis, purple Amomum, and winter potato crops.

To ensure success, soldiers follow a hands-on approach, working directly with villagers at their homes, providing technical training in crop and livestock care, disease prevention, post-harvest preservation, and processing. With dedicated guidance from the troops, productivity and livestock yields have improved significantly, providing stable income and helping many households rise out of poverty.

In the past, Lỳ Ná Na and his wife from Tá Miếu village, Sín Thầu commune had to travel to lowland provinces for seasonal labor, struggling to make ends meet. After receiving breeding cows and guidance from Economic - Defense Unit 379, their herd has grown well and brought stable income. “Thanks to the soldiers, our life has greatly improved. We can now afford to send our children to school. We are truly grateful”, he shared.

Alongside economic development, Economic - Defense Unit 379 has also worked closely with local authorities to raise public awareness of Party policies and State laws, strengthening grassroots political systems, and ensuring social order and security across the border. Patrols and border protection efforts, as well as disaster prevention and rescue operations, are conducted regularly and effectively. The Unit has also trained militia and community emergency teams to enhance disaster, fire, and epidemic response capabilities.

The unit has launched numerous social and humanitarian programs, such as “Supporting students to school,” “Bringing cultural light to villages,” and “Joining hands for community health.” Soldiers help renovate schools, award scholarships, provide free medical check-ups and medicine, and promote environmental hygiene and disease prevention. These meaningful efforts continue to strengthen the close bonds between the military and the people, upholding the noble image of “Uncle Hồ’s soldiers” in everyday life.

Colonel Phan Phúc Chung, Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of Economic - Defense Unit 379, cum Director of the Mường Chà Economic - Defense Project Management Board under the unit, affirmed: “Under the guidance of the Central Military Commission, the Ministry of National Defense, and Military Region 2, our models have proven highly effective, sustainable, and socially impactful. Many have been replicated across the Northwest, helping shape a model economic-defense zone. For us, every project is not only about economic development but also a mission to strengthen national defense and people’s trust. Once people enjoy stable lives and confidence in the Party and the military grows stronger, the border becomes an unbreakable fortress safeguarding the nation.”

With distinguished achievements, Economic - Defense Unit 379 has affirmed its pivotal role as a reliable pillar for local authorities and residents in Vietnam’s borderlands. Building on this momentum, the Unit will continue implementing national target programs for 2026-2030, focusing on scaling successful models and transferring suitable technologies for each locality. The unit will also strengthen cooperation with government bodies to mobilize additional resources, ensuring dual goals: advancing socio-economic development while safeguarding national defense and security, contributing to a stronger and more resilient frontier.