At the beginning of the term, Điện Biên faced numerous challenges: a low starting point, incomplete infrastructure, slow economic growth, and difficult living conditions, especially in highland and border areas. Rising above these obstacles, the provincial Party Committee, government, and people united in their shared aspiration for progress, focusing on strategic breakthroughs in infrastructure development linked to urban modernization.

In November 2021, the provincial Party Committee issued Resolution No. 16-NQ/TU on the development of infrastructure systems and urban areas for the 2021-2025 period, with a vision toward 2030. The resolution set forth a clear goal: to invest comprehensively in infrastructure, unlock local potential, and create new momentum for socio-economic growth.

Following the resolution, the provincial People’s Committee translated it into an action program comprising eight key tasks and nineteen specific objectives, assigning clear responsibilities to departments and localities.

The province’s greatest advantage at the time was a shared consensus across the political system. From the provincial to the grassroots level, all Party committees and authorities recognized that infrastructure is the foundation of sustainable socio-economic development. As a mountainous province facing inherent difficulties, Điện Biên received strong attention and policy support from the Central Government, helping to remove barriers in mobilizing resources for major projects. The province also actively attracted large economic groups such as Vingroup, Sun Group, Flamingo, and Hải Phát to conduct surveys and invest, a strategic move that demonstrated vision and the effective use of non-budgetary resources.

However, challenges remained, the biggest “bottleneck” being land clearance. Some projects were delayed due to a lack of consensus among affected households or shortcomings in resettlement arrangements. For instance, the Nậm Rốm River Basin Disaster Risk Management Project reached only 44.5% completion by mid-2025, mainly due to land clearance issues involving hundreds of households. Similarly, several key urban and transportation projects had to extend their timelines.

To overcome these obstacles, the Standing Board of the provincial Party Committee and the People’s Committee leadership frequently conducted on-site inspections, held direct dialogues with residents, and issued specific instructions to address each issue. A series of thematic resolutions, proposals, and policies were adopted, introducing flexible mechanisms to shorten procedures and unlock barriers related to land, planning, and investment capital.

A typical example is the 60-meter Road Project (now 7/5 Road), once stalled for years due to disagreements over compensation. Thanks to the decisive and unified involvement of the entire political system, the project was revived early in the term. Dozens of dialogues were organized, with all procedures for measurement and compensation made transparent, placing the people at the center of the process. The project was completed in late 2021, becoming a symbol of Điện Biên’s new urban identity.

Another major achievement was the bypass road connecting Thanh Hưng and Thanh Luông, which began construction in early 2023 but faced repeated delays due to land clearance problems. Only after provincial Party Secretary Trần Quốc Cường personally met with residents, listened to their concerns, and directed on-site solutions was the issue resolved. The project was completed in 2024, bringing convenience and satisfaction to hundreds of households.

With consistent and determined leadership, Điện Biên has seen remarkable transformation over nearly five years of implementing Resolution No.16. The province now boasts over 9,200 kilometers of roads, an increase of nearly 900 kilometers compared to the start of the term. Major arteries such as National Highway 279, National Highway 12, the Eastern Điện Biên route, the airport bypass, and inter-regional links have been upgraded and expanded. The completion of Điện Biên Airport in late 2023 opened new horizons for the Northwest region.

The province’s economy and society have shown strong progress. During 2021-2025, Điện Biên’s GRDP grew at an average rate of 8.76% per year; by 2025, its total economic output is estimated at over VND 17,000 billion, with per capita GRDP exceeding VND 54 million, up more than 60% from 2020. The economic structure has shifted significantly: the share of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries has fallen to 13.6%, while industry, construction, and services have grown substantially.

Tourism and services have become standout sectors. In 2023, Điện Biên welcomed over one million visitors for the first time, and within the first four months of 2024, it surpassed that figure again. During the 70th Anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory (May 2024), the province attracted 370,000 visitors in just eight days. A series of modern urban and service projects, such as Vincom Shophouse, Mường Thanh Luxury Hotel, and the new Eastern Điện Biên Urban Area, have reshaped the face of the provincial capital.

Alongside economic growth, Điện Biên has paid great attention to cultural and spiritual development. Historic and cultural landmarks such as the Điện Biên Phủ Martyrs’ Temple, the Điện Biên Phủ Victory Museum, the Memorial Site of General Võ Nguyên Giáp, and the Memorial House of President Hồ Chí Minh have been restored and upgraded, becoming “red addresses” for patriotic education and a source of pride and inspiration for younger generations.

Today, Điện Biên stands renewed, with modern infrastructure, connected regions, and vibrant urban landscapes symbolizing a province on the rise. These achievements reflect the determination, unity, and political will of the entire system. Most importantly, they highlight a crucial lesson: success begins with shared understanding and coordinated action, from strategic planning and resource mobilization to effective implementation, all grounded in the people’s participation and trust.