In 2022, Son La province continued to implement the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to which Vietnam is a member, including the CPTPP, EVFTA, and UKVFTA. These agreements contribute to boosting production, expanding and opening up domestic and international markets, and creating trade opportunities with developed economies, significantly contributing to administrative reform and improving the trade and investment environment in Son La province.
Son La ProvinceTake advantage of the opportunities offered by FTAs to boost export activities.
To implement the plan, the Son La Provincial Party Committee, People's Council, and People's Committee have seriously adhered to the leadership and guidance documents of the Central Party, the National Assembly, the Government, and central ministries and agencies regarding the implementation of FTAs in the locality, yielding positive results: rapid and sustainable economic development; continuously improved living standards for the people; ensured national security and defense; and strengthened foreign relations. Departments, agencies, and the People's Committees of districts and cities have proactively and actively engaged in disseminating information and raising awareness among businesses and the public about FTA agreements; supporting businesses and cooperatives in enhancing competitiveness, product quality, and branding. Businesses and cooperatives in the province have initially focused on developing production and business oriented towards a market economy; applying science and technology to production processes; building brands and trademarks; and registering intellectual property rights.
In 2022, the province's trade activities maintained a high growth rate, the income of people in the province improved, and the commercial infrastructure network expanded and developed in line with modernization trends, thereby promoting consumption and goods circulation. In 2022, the total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue were estimated at approximately VND 35,160 billion, an increase of 18.3% compared to 2021, of which the total retail sales of goods were estimated at VND 27,170 billion, 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 exported from Son La province in 2022 was estimated at US$174.8 million, 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 export of minerals decreased, while the export of agricultural products increased rapidly: agricultural products and processed agricultural products accounted for 93.25%; non-agricultural goods such as cement, commercial electricity, etc., accounted for 6.75%. The import value of Son La province in 2022 was estimated at over US$12 million, a decrease of 47.19% compared to 2021. The main imported goods were machinery, equipment and spare parts, accounting for over 80% of the import value (mainly for hydropower plants), with about 20% of the value consisting of animal feed and raw materials, fertilizers serving the production and construction processes, and consumer goods.
Currently, Son La province has attracted 9 FDI projects. Of these: 1 project is located in Mai Son Industrial Park with a total investment of US$0.45 million, and 8 projects are registered outside the industrial park, with a total registered investment capital of US$153.71 million. These FDI projects are in various investment sectors including: agricultural production, high-tech agriculture, mineral exploitation, etc., including: 1 project from New Zealand, 3 projects from Japan, 3 projects from South Korea, and 1 project from Taiwan. The total implemented investment capital has reached US$152.66 million, equivalent to 99.32% of the total registered investment capital. Of these, 8 projects are already in operation.
FDI projects invest in high-tech agricultural production.
In 2022, Son La province had one project approved by the Prime Minister, utilizing ODA loans from the French Government, with an estimated total investment of VND 970.5 billion. In addition, Son La province is actively seeking funding for three more projects using ODA and preferential loans.
Regarding the mobilization and management of foreign non-governmental aid, as of November 2022, Son La province had received and approved the implementation of 9 non-refundable aid grants with a total funding of USD 3,862,246. Currently, the province is evaluating the acceptance and approval of 3 projects/grants from foreign non-governmental organizations, including: the Project to Improve Living Conditions for Ethnic Minority Communities funded by Bread for the World (BftW); the Project to Improve the Nutritional Status of Ethnic Minority Children in the Northern Mountainous Region funded by Save the Children Japan; and the Project to Enhance the Capacity for Maternal and Newborn Healthcare in Health Facilities and Communities funded by Save the Children Korea.
Programs, projects, and aid have made significant and practical contributions to the socio-economic development of Son La province, helping to alleviate poverty, support people in disadvantaged areas and ethnic minorities, address social issues, and enhance the capacity of local people and officials participating in the projects.
Le Hong