Son La ProvinceTake advantage of the opportunities that FTAs ​​bring to boost export activities.

To implement, the Provincial Party Committee, People's Council, and People's Committee of Son La province have seriously grasped the leadership and direction documents of the Central Party Committee, the National Assembly, the Government, ministries, departments, and central branches on the implementation of FTAs ​​in the locality and have brought about positive results: The economy has developed rapidly and sustainably; people's lives have been constantly improved; national security and defense have been ensured; foreign relations have been strengthened. Departments, branches, and People's Committees of districts and cities have been proactive and active in propaganda work, raising awareness of businesses and people about FTAs; supporting businesses and cooperatives to improve competitiveness, product quality and brand. Businesses and cooperatives in the province have initially focused on developing production and business oriented towards a market economy; applying science and technology to the production process; building brands, trademarks, and registering intellectual property.

In 2022, the province's commercial activities will maintain a high growth rate, the income of people in the province will improve, the commercial infrastructure network will be expanded and developed in a modernized direction through promoting consumption and circulation of goods. In 2022, the total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue is estimated at about 35,160 billion VND, an increase of 18.3% compared to 2021, of which the total retail sales of goods are estimated at 27,170 billion VND, an increase of 16.4%.

Son La's goods and services market has largely met the consumption and production demands of businesses and residents in the province. Currently, Sơn La has ensured sufficient food production; agricultural products, especially fruits, have been consumed in provinces and cities nationwide and exported. However, other commodities such as consumer goods, means of transport, cultural and educational items, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agricultural materials still rely on supply from outside the province and imports.

The value of goods participating in Son La province's exports in 2022 is estimated at 174.8 million USD, an increase of 8.45% compared to 2021. The export structure has been adjusted to suit the reality and potential advantages of Son La province. The structure of mineral exports has decreased, agricultural exports have increased rapidly: agricultural products and processed agricultural products account for 93.25%; non-agricultural products such as cement, commercial electricity, etc. account for 6.75%. The import value of Son La province in 2022 is estimated at over 12 million USD, a decrease of 47.19% compared to 2021. The main imported goods are machinery, equipment and spare parts, accounting for over 80% of the value of imported goods (mainly for hydropower plants), about 20% of the value of goods are animal feed and raw materials, fertilizers for the production, construction and consumer goods processes.

Currently, Son La province has attracted 09 FDI projects. Of which: 01 project is located in Mai Son Industrial Park with a total investment capital of 0.45 million USD and 08 projects registered outside the Industrial Park, with a total registered investment capital of 153.71 million USD. FDI projects are in the following investment fields: Agricultural production, high-tech agriculture, mineral exploitation... including: New Zealand 01 project, Japan 03 projects, Korea 03 projects, Taiwan 01 project. The total realized investment capital is 152.66 million USD, equivalent to 99.32% of the total registered investment capital. Of which, 08 projects are currently operating in production and business.

FDI projects investing in high-tech agricultural production.

In 2022, Son La province has 01 project approved by the Prime Minister to propose using ODA loans from the French Government with a total estimated investment of 970.5 billion VND. In addition, Son La province is actively mobilizing 03 projects using ODA capital and preferential loans.

Regarding the mobilization and management of foreign non-governmental aid, as of November 2022, Son La province has received and permitted the implementation of 09 non-refundable aid packages with a total funding of 3,862,246 USD. Currently, the acceptance and permission for the implementation of 03 projects, grants and aid packages from foreign non-governmental organizations are being assessed, including: Project to Improve Living Conditions for Ethnic Minority Communities sponsored by Bread for the World (BftW); Project to Improve Nutritional Status of Ethnic Minority Children in the Northern Mountainous Region sponsored by Save the Children Japan; Project to Enhance Maternal and Newborn Health Care Capacity for Medical Facilities and Communities sponsored by Save the Children Korea.

The programs, projects and aid have made important and practical contributions to the socio-economic development of Son La province, contributing to hunger eradication and poverty reduction, supporting people in disadvantaged areas, ethnic minorities, solving social problems, and at the same time improving the capacity of local people and officials participating in the project.

Le Hong