Construction begins on the Hoa Binh - Moc Chau expressway project, specifically the section within Son La province. Photo: PV

Adhering closely to the Party and State's guidelines, the province focuses on building economic diplomacy to serve development, with people and businesses at the center. It concentrates on supporting businesses and people in integrating into the international economy; effectively implementing policies on land, investment, taxation, and business registration; simplifying administrative procedures; promoting the planning of economic zones, production areas, transportation infrastructure, border gates, and logistics... reducing costs, supporting exports, and attracting foreign investment.

Last May, the province commenced construction of the Hoa Binh - Moc Chau expressway (the section passing through the province), 73 days ahead of schedule; coordinated with the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam to monitor the progress of the detailed planning for Na San Airport for the period 2021-2030; and simultaneously developed investment plans for key transportation projects in the period 2026-2030, such as: the Moc Chau - Son La City (old) expressway; expanding the Hoa Binh - Moc Chau expressway from 2 to 4 lanes; and the Son La - Yen Bai (now Lao Cai) regional connecting road...

The Provincial People's Committee directed a review and supplementation of transportation and logistics development projects into the Son La provincial planning for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, as a basis for attracting investment and allocating resources for implementation; effectively exploiting the Long Sap and Chieng Khuong border economic zones and connecting routes with Laos and China to promote the flow of export goods. At the same time, it accelerated the planning of a logistics center in Moc Chau, linked to the agricultural wholesale market along National Highway 6 and the Hoa Binh - Moc Chau expressway; and the planning of a logistics center in Mai Son, linked to the Mai Son Industrial Park and Na San Airport, conveniently connected to National Highways 6, 4G, and 37, serving the production, processing, consumption, and export of agricultural products. Departments and agencies also proactively updated international economic information and shared it with businesses; and intensified promotion and investment attraction through online channels. Supporting businesses in participating in international events to showcase products and find partners.

Livestream promoting late-season plums in Phiêng Khoài commune.

Since the beginning of the year, the province has organized working delegations with the Indian and Korean Embassies in Vietnam; participated in many investment, trade, cultural, and tourism promotion events, such as: the International Tourism Fair; the India-Vietnam Business Opportunity Meeting in Hanoi; the Lao Cai International Tourism Fair; and the "Meet Korea 2025" conference in Hung Yen. Provincial agencies and units have proactively implemented many activities to promote products and attract investment, such as: participating in the "International Trade in the Era of Growth" Forum, with booths showcasing tourism and agricultural products; creating promotional videos highlighting potential, project portfolios, and key products (in English, Chinese, and Russian) for the delegation in the Russian Federation; and requesting support from the Vietnam Post Corporation to connect and sell products on e-commerce platforms and the nationwide postal system. Coordinating the organization of the livestream for the 2025 Plum Harvesting Festival in Phiêng Khoài commune...

Mr. Ha Nhu Hue, Director of the Department of Industry and Trade, said: All levels and sectors have actively connected and promoted the consumption and export of agricultural products through international cooperation, providing promotional publications to Vietnamese representative offices abroad. Thanks to the intensified diplomatic activities, investment promotion, trade, and tourism, in the past six months, the province's export turnover reached 112 million USD, with agricultural products increasing by 10.5%. The Department also coordinated market updates, supported businesses in production, distribution, and export; organized livestreaming for agricultural product consumption; promoted products on e-commerce platforms; and promoted administrative reforms to facilitate businesses.

Production shift at Son La Sugar Corporation.

Building on the special friendship between Vietnam and Laos, during the recent sugarcane season, the relevant agencies of Son La province coordinated with Hua Phan province to support the consumption of sugarcane for farmers. Mr. Ho Trung Kien, Head of the Provincial Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, said: The quarantine process was carried out correctly and flexibly, shortening the time, helping sugarcane from Hua Phan province to be quickly delivered to the Son La Sugar Mill, ensuring quality. Sugarcane imported from Hua Phan has high sugar content, is food safe, and meets the prescribed standards. Son La Sugar Company purchased more than 3,000 tons, with a total value of over 4 billion VND.

Recognizing economic diplomacy as a central focus of its foreign policy, playing a driving role in development and integration, Son La province continues to actively seek markets, expand international cooperation, and mobilize maximum resources from outside the province in combination with internal resources to develop its economy.