He issued this directive on Wednesday during a meeting with the Standing Committee of the Tủa Chùa District’s Party Committee to discuss party building, the political system, socio-economic development, and national defence and security since the beginning of the 2020-2025 term.

Since the beginning of the term, the Tủa Chùa District’s Party Committee has focused on leadership and direction, achieving significant results. By the end of 2023, total food production reached 103.5 per cent; aquaculture production reached 105 per cent; industrial and handicraft production value reached nearly 103 per cent; local budget revenue increased by an average of 5 per cent annually, achieving 100 per cent of the target; and the poverty rate decreased by over 5.5 per cent.

There have been many positive changes in cultural and social aspects, with improvements in education quality and healthcare. Political security and social order are generally stable. Party building and the strengthening of the political system have been enhanced.

Tủa Chùa District proposed that the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, the People's Council, and the People's Committee request the Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs and the Prime Minister to approve the reclassification of Mường Báng Commune from Area II to Area III.

It also requested that the authorities allocate funds for the construction of Nậm Seo and Chiếu Tính reservoirs, prioritising the Nậm Seo water reservoir and plant to meet local domestic and production water needs, linked to local tourism development.

Additionally, it urged the early inclusion of the Huổi Lóng - Tủa Chùa Town - Xá Nhè - Huổi Só - Pê Răng Ky - Sông Đà - Nậm Lốt, Nậm Hăn - Nậm Cuổi - Căn Co Communal Centre - Noong Hẻo - Séo Lèng - Sìn Hồ Town road and bridge projects into the medium-term public investment plan for Điện Biên and Lai Châu provinces, and to upgrade them to National Highway 6B.

It also requested the early inclusion of the Điện Biên 3 pumped-storage hydro-power project in the national power development plan VIII for the 2021-2035 period.

At the meeting, delegates discussed some limitations, such as ongoing legal violations in forest management and protection; no communes meeting new rural standards; a low percentage of villages and hamlets meeting new rural standards; high rates of early marriage and child mortality under 1 and 5 years old.

They also mentioned about a lack of distinctive tourism products; difficulties in achieving 50 per cent of the criteria for urban grade 4; a low percentage of grassroots party organisations recognised for excellent performance; and the absence of party branches in private enterprises.

Cường acknowledged the achievements of Tủa Chùa District in recent times, especially in tourism development. He urged the district to focus on high-quality rice and advantageous local crops, prioritising quality over quantity.

He recommended expanding the area for Shan tuyết tea cultivation, paying attention to product quality and branding. He also suggested developing homestay tourism models associated with the local ethnic culture.