Creating momentum for socio-economic development, in recent years, Son La city has focused on implementing well the planning, investing in completing the traffic infrastructure in a synchronous, modern direction, connecting urban and rural areas, promoting trade and transportation, contributing to completing the criteria of a type I urban area. Thanks to the right development policies, Son La city has taken strategic steps in building infrastructure systems and expanding urban areas.

Mr. Nguyen Khac Thanh, Party Cell Secretary, Head of Group 4, Quyet Thang Ward, Son La City:“Living in Son La since the 60s, I see that Son La city has undergone remarkable changes, especially in urban infrastructure. Many urban areas have been built such as Kim Son, Picenza, … changing the face of the city…”

Not only developing in terms of infrastructure, Son La also made its mark with socio-economic achievements. The city's gross domestic product in 2023 reached over 9,500 billion VND, an average growth of 8%/year over the past 5 years. GRDP per capita reached over 58 million VND/year, 1.5 times higher than 5 years ago. Local budget revenue reached nearly 2,000 billion VND/year.

Mr. Leo Van Huong, Chairman of People's Committee of Chieng Xom commune, Son La city:“Since the construction of the new rural commune, 100% of inter-commune roads have been concreted, the economy has shifted appropriately, and people's lives have improved...."

Along with economic development are positive changes in people's lives. Civilized urban areas, modern healthcare and education systems are improving the quality of life of Son La people day by day. Many projects have become bright spots in the area.

Ms. Pham Thanh Quy, Group 10, Chieng Le Ward, Son La City:“As a son of Son La city, I am very honored and proud to see that in recent times, Son La city has changed very clearly. Many new roads have been built, repaired, and renovated to be more spacious and clean. In particular, public works have also been invested in and built, thereby meeting the needs of community cultural activities and entertainment needs for the people of the city.”

In the future, Son La city continues to aim to become a type II urban area by 2025, with many strategic projects being implemented. These include plans to develop satellite urban areas, expand traffic connections and invest in commercial and service infrastructure.

Mr. Tran Cong Chinh, Vice Chairman of Son La City People's Committee:“In addition to focusing on improving infrastructure, the city is gradually attracting investment from domestic and foreign investors and investors with internal resources in the province to build the city more and more spacious and beautiful. The city also pays attention to investing resources in building cultural houses and schools, which are priority investment groups. Along with economic development, it focuses on areas such as investing in infrastructure construction to create a fresh and spacious look.”

With the implementation of flexible and effective solutions, Son La city's urban infrastructure is gradually being completed, synchronized and modernized, becoming an important driving force for socio-economic development, aiming to become a Type I City, improving the quality of people's lives.

Performed by: Duy Thai - Cao Nguyen