Positive signs

Thanks to the synchronized implementation of various solutions, the province's Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) for the first six months of 2025, at 2010 constant prices, is estimated to reach VND 16,541 billion, an increase of 8.76% compared to the same period last year. Of this, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries reached VND 3,643 billion, an increase of 7.92%, exceeding the target of 5.2%; industry and construction reached VND 4,264 billion, an increase of 11.83%; and services reached VND 7,808 billion, an increase of 8.33%. The economic structure has shifted positively: agriculture is applying high technology, the processing industry is increasing its proportion, and services are expanding towards modernization.

Ms. Ha Ngoc Chau, Deputy Director of the Department of Finance, emphasized: The GRDP growth rate in the first six months of 2025 basically met the set target. However, it is still a relatively high growth rate, ranking 5th out of 14 provinces in the Northern Midlands and Mountains, and 19th out of 63 nationwide. Notably, investment attraction has seen growth. From the beginning of the year to August 17, 2025, the Department received 97 investment applications, including 65 new proposals. As a result, Son La approved the investment policy for 20 projects outside industrial zones, with a total capital of VND 12,123 billion, a 2.2-fold increase in the number of projects and a 36-fold increase in total capital compared to the same period in 2024. In addition, 18 projects adjusted their capital upwards by nearly VND 977 billion, focusing on agriculture, processing, urban development, and tourism.

The Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee presented the decision approving the investment policy and simultaneously approving the investor for the Dream Plastic Mai Son Factory Project.

Investment attraction in the industrial park is thriving. To date, Phase I of the Mai Son Industrial Park has attracted 9 projects with a total registered capital of VND 1,453.7 billion. In the past 8 months, 5 businesses have been exploring and proposing investment in the industrial park, including the Dream Plastic Mai Son Factory Project, which has been granted an investment policy decision and investor approval.

Mr. Jang Kyung Ho, Deputy Director of Dream Plastic Co., Ltd., shared: "The project aims to manufacture and process children's toys and plastic products, with a designed capacity of 20 million products per year and a total investment of 7 million USD. We highly appreciate the support of the provincial departments and agencies in completing the procedures. The company is committed to implementing the project on schedule."

Construction has begun on the Mavin Mai Son animal feed production and agricultural product processing complex project.

Among the projects approved for investment from 2024 in Mai Son Industrial Park, two stand out as projects celebrating the 16th Congress of the Son La Provincial Party Committee, term 2025-2030. These include the successful organization of the groundbreaking ceremony for the "Mavin Mai Son Animal Feed Production and Agricultural Product Processing Complex" project and the planned inauguration of the BHL Son La Modified Starch Processing Plant in September 2025, with a total investment of over 630 billion VND.

In addition, many key projects outside the industrial zone have been accelerated, including: Moc Chau High-Tech Dairy Factory (Thao Nguyen Ward), Muong La Banana Processing Plant (Muong Bu Commune), Moc Chau Tea Factory, DTH Coffee's Agricultural Product Preservation Center (Chieng Coi Ward), along with a series of hydropower projects: Nam Hoa I, Hang Dong B, Bo Sinh, Suoi Chien…

Not only in the industrial sector, but also in the service and tourism sectors, many projects are creating a highlight. Mr. Hoang Manh Duy, Deputy Executive Director of Moc Chau Island Tourist Area, said: Moc Chau Island Tourist Area continues to invest, bringing new and unique tourism products to develop the potential and strengths of Moc Chau National Tourist Area. Since its operation, the company has made many contributions to the economic development of the region, creating jobs for more than 400 workers, with a stable income of over 11.3 million VND/person/month. Investment attraction policies as well as open mechanisms in this period are important factors in attracting investment to Son La province.

Tourists experience horseback riding at Happyland Moc Chau.

Remove bottlenecks to achieve breakthroughs.

Despite achieving positive results, Son La still faces numerous "bottlenecks" that need to be addressed to maximize its potential. Ms. Ha Ngoc Chau, Deputy Director of the Department of Finance, further informed: Transportation infrastructure is considered the "lifeline" of development, but key routes such as National Highway 6, National Highway 37, and 279 have deteriorated, and routes connecting industrial zones and tourist destinations are still incomplete. The Hoa Binh - Moc Chau expressway, a strategic project expected to create a breakthrough, is currently under construction. Logistics infrastructure and cold storage facilities serving agricultural exports are still lacking and do not meet requirements.

Strawberries from Son La have been tested and certified to meet the standards for being transported on Vietnam Airlines flights to serve domestic and international passengers.

Land clearance and project implementation face difficulties in determining land ownership and compensation valuation, which are complex and prolong the time required to complete documentation. While investment preparation procedures have improved, the time taken to complete these procedures for projects remains lengthy due to numerous steps and legal regulations.

The province has abundant human resources, but lacks technical skills, especially in agricultural processing and supporting industries. The application of technology and digital transformation in production and business management is still limited. The disbursement of public investment capital is uneven, and some projects using central government support are behind schedule.

Son La province aims for a GRDP growth rate of 8% or higher in 2025; with agriculture, forestry, and fisheries accounting for 23%; industry and construction 29%; services 42%; and product taxes less product subsidies 6%. The province strives to disburse 100% of public investment capital, attract more projects in deep processing, renewable energy, and high-quality tourism. Simultaneously, it aims to increase the proportion of processing industries within the overall industrial sector.

Elite Hill amusement park in Chiềng Cơi ward is preparing to open.

Our province is focusing on implementing many groundbreaking solutions, such as: accelerating the progress of strategic infrastructure projects, including the Hoa Binh - Moc Chau expressway, National Highway 37 connecting to National Highway 279D, completing the infrastructure of industrial parks and clusters, and continuing to develop the system of preliminary processing and preservation facilities serving agricultural exports. We are also accelerating the disbursement of public investment capital, resolving land clearance issues, reforming administrative procedures, and shortening the investment licensing process.

Promoting trade, expanding markets for agricultural products, strongly applying e-commerce, developing a modern logistics system, and reducing transportation costs are crucial. Selective investment attraction will continue to be prioritized, focusing on areas such as deep processing, renewable energy, ecotourism, and high-quality services; and encouraging the socialization of infrastructure investment. Furthermore, it is necessary to concentrate on training high-quality human resources and promoting digital transformation in production, business, and management. Building a digital government, ensuring transparency in planning and project information, and fostering trust among businesses and the public are also essential.

A view of Moc Chau Island Tourist Area.

By implementing many solutions decisively and synchronously, Son La will not only achieve its 2025 goals but also create a foundation for breakthroughs, achieving double-digit growth in the 2026-2030 period, becoming a new growth pole in the Northwest, and making a significant contribution to the overall development of the country.