Part 3: The “architects” creating and guiding economic development pathways

Embracing a spirit of daring to think, daring to act, and daring to experiment, they are likened to creative “architects” who step by step establish sustainable livelihood models and inspire the people to learn and follow. From these pioneers, new approaches are taking root, unlocking economic development opportunities, generating stable livelihoods, and instilling faith in a prosperous life in the westernmost corner of the Fatherland.

Paving the way for tourism development

Only by visiting in person and witnessing the livelihood models of these “pathfinders” at the foot of Khoang La San mountain can one deeply appreciate the pioneering spirit and resolute determination of Party members at the nation’s frontier. Undaunted by hardships and unfazed by failure, they dare to think and act, boldly opening pathways for economic development, tourism, and the introduction of new crop varieties into production. From these pioneering strides, seedlings of livelihood are taking root, inspiring confidence and opening hope for a prosperous life among border compatriots.

Sín Thầu commune recently organized the opening of tourism activities at the Border Junction Marker between Vietnam, Laos, and China and the A Pa Chải Flag Tower. Beyond opening another gateway welcoming visitors to the westernmost land, the event marks a new turning point, kindling expectations for a vibrant tourism development journey along the nation’s border rampart.

In the twilight of his years, driven by deep love for his homeland and an aspiration to preserve ancestral cultural values, veteran Party member Pờ Dần Xinh in Tả Kố Khừ village has skillfully transformed familiar elements of Hà Nhì daily life into a unique community tourism space. His family’s homestay has become an appealing stopover where tourists step into an authentic cultural realm, experiencing the lifestyle, customs, cuisine, and traditional routines of the Hà Nhì people.

Pờ Dần Xinh confided: “I take the lead and do it effectively so villagers see the practical benefits and follow suit. When tourists come to experience rammed-earth houses, enjoy local delicacies, watch traditional dances, and listen to Hà Nhì folk songs, villagers earn additional income and improve their lives. More importantly, when culture delivers practical value, the younger generation will cherish and take pride in what ancestors left behind, proactively preserving and passing it down to future generations.”

From listening to and learning from veteran Party members, many young people in Sín Thầu today have boldly stepped into tourism, turning cultural values and local scenery into livelihoods. The homestay model of Chu Khai Phù in A Pa Chải village currently features 9 guest rooms, serving visitors traditional Hà Nhì dishes. During peak tourism seasons, the homestay becomes a preferred rest stop for tour groups on their journey to conquer the westernmost point.

Chu Khai Phù shared: “Guests arriving here usually stay overnight, enjoy traditional dishes, and wear Hà Nhì costumes for commemorative photos. Many also enjoy cultural exchanges, listening to folk songs, watching folk dances, joining campfires, and participating in community activities. Therefore, we are constantly conscious of preserving ethnic cultural identity, from residential architecture and attire to traditional customs and aesthetics, to introduce to tourists. This serves as the highlight attracting visitors to explore and experience Sín Thầu.”

“Arriving in Sín Thầu, I was impressed not only by the majestic, pristine natural landscape, but also by the warmth and openness of the local people and tourism hosts. It is precisely that closeness that makes me want to return,” shared Nguyễn Phương Anh, a tourist from Hà Nội.

From small-scale, fragmented tourism activities, Sín Thầu residents are now proactively engaging in tourism. Many households have developed homestays, dining, transport, tour guiding, local farm produce retailing, and Hà Nhì cultural introduction services. Consequently, tourism activities are flourishing, with visitor numbers growing year after year. By the end of July 2026, Sín Thầu welcomed over 8,000 visitor arrivals for sightseeing and experiences.

Đỗ Thùy Giang, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Sín Thầu commune, shared: “In tourism development, the pioneering and exemplary role of Party members carries vital significance. From concrete models, the spirit of doing tourism has spread across the community, generating livelihoods, raising incomes, and contributing to making Sín Thầu an attractive destination in the westernmost region of the Fatherland.”

Through concrete, innovative actions in tourism development, Party members not only generate broad community resonance, but also translate Resolution No.12-NQ/TU of the Executive Board of the provincial Party Committee on Điện Biên provincial tourism development for the 2026 - 2030 period, with an orientation toward 2035, and the commune Party Committee’s resolution into the daily lives of the people.

Sowing “green shoots” at the foot of Khoang La San mountain

Concretizing Resolution No.11-NQ/TU of the Điện Biên Executive Board of the provincial Party Committee on restructuring the agricultural sector toward concentrated, green, smart, and sustainable commodity production for the 2026 - 2030 period, with an orientation toward 2035, the Party Committee of Sín Thầu commune identified this as a “revolution” paving the way for modern agriculture. Each Party cell and Party member must pioneer, lead the way, and do the work first, while disseminating sustainable livelihood directions and kindling the aspiration to rise among border residents.

As a senior cadre over 60 years of age with nearly 30 years of Party membership, Sừng Sừng Khai in A Pa Chải village, Sín Thầu commune still does not permit himself to rest. His footsteps remain imprinted across a 1ha coffee garden and 300 macadamia trees, where he personally applies fertilizer, earths up soil around tree bases, and tends each green shoot. “As a Party member, one cannot shy away from hardship and toil. When tasks are novel or difficult, one must roll up sleeves and act first. People observe concrete actions; when cadres and Party members practice what they preach, villagers will believe and follow. To mobilize the people, one must first set an example,” Sừng Sừng Khai confided.

From the pioneering, exemplary actions of each Party cell and Party member, new economic models are taking root and expanding across this westernmost land. To date, the entire commune has newly planted 252ha of coffee and 252ha of macadamia, opening fresh livelihood directions and instilling confidence in residents to alter production practices and achieve prosperity in their homeland.

In February 2026, Sín Thầu residents rejoiced as the A Pa Chải Border Gate officially commenced commercial trading and merchandise exchange operations. The event opened new opportunities for enterprises, traders, and border residents, generating added momentum for the socioeconomic development of Sín Thầu commune in particular and Điện Biên province in general.

Nguyễn Văn Thắng, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Sín Thầu commune, stated: “The Executive Board of the commune Party Committee issued Resolution No.15-NQ/ĐU dated March 20, 2026 on concentrating investment resources, completing infrastructure, and accelerating economic development at A Pa Chải Border Gate for the 2026 - 2030 period. On that basis, the commune will review and evaluate potentials and advantages to select and develop appropriate, efficient economic models. Priority will be given to models tied to commodity agriculture, animal husbandry, agro-processing, services, community tourism, merchandise supply, and developing local signature products.”

A prime example is the sugarcane cultivation model, where with active participation from Party members and the public, Sín Thầu commune has formed a sugarcane area of approximately 35ha across Phứ Ma, Tá Miếu, and Suối Voi villages. According to the plan, by the end of 2026, the commune strives to develop an additional 150ha, progressively expanding raw material zones, and by 2028 establish an area of roughly 500ha. This not only opens a new production direction, but also targets the export of sugarcane-derived products.

Chang Sàng Hòa, Head of Suối Voi village, shared: “Currently, sugarcane is growing and developing well, initially demonstrating compatibility with local soil and climatic conditions. We expect this to become a new production pathway, contributing to crop diversification, raising incomes, and creating sustainable livelihoods for the people.”

Following the preliminary review and evaluation of the sugarcane model in Sín Thầu commune in June 2026, functional authorities and Jiangcheng Zhongyun Raw Material Import-Export Company Limited (China) assessed that sugarcane adapts relatively well to local production conditions. Initial surveys indicate yields could reach approximately 80 tons per hectare, and properly tended areas could yield 100 tons per hectare.

Through simple actions, the pioneering and exemplary spirit of Party members in the frontier outpost of Sín Thầu has become a reliable anchor for the people to emulate. They lead the way and act first so the people trust and follow, progressively guiding border villages out of poverty to build an increasingly prosperous and thriving life. As a result, the commune’s poverty rate dropped to 34.69% (a decrease of 4.67% compared to 2025), and average annual income reached over VND 35 million per person.

Driven by responsibility and pioneering spirit, Party members in the westernmost region have perseveringly nurtured the seeds of prosperity across the borderlands. The values cultivated by earlier generations continue to sprout within the youth of the far west. Carrying forward this legacy, today’s young Party members seek fresh pathways through knowledge, science and technology, digital transformation, and creative initiatives. From villages at the foot of Khoang La San mountain, a new generation is coming of age, embracing the guiding light of the Party to step forward with confidence on the journey of building their homeland.