Forum “International Trade in the Era of Empowerment: Sustainable Tourism and the Export Potential of Agricultural Products in Son La”.

Delegates attending the forum.

Attending the forum were: Mr. Lo Minh Hung, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee; Mr. Nguyen Thanh Cong, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Thu Huong, Vice Rector of the Foreign Trade University; leaders of provincial departments and agencies; leaders and lecturers of the Foreign Trade University; scholars, researchers, policymakers, businesses, cooperatives, and exemplary production households operating in the fields of tourism and agriculture in the province.

Comrade Nguyen Thanh Cong, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, delivered a speech at the forum.

In his opening remarks at the forum, Comrade Nguyen Thanh Cong stated: To date, the province has over 85,000 hectares of fruit trees and hawthorn trees, with an estimated harvest of over 510,000 tons in 2025, a 31% increase compared to 2024. The province is currently supporting and maintaining 218 registered planting areas with a total area of ​​3,142 hectares and 8 registered export packaging facilities. It is also developing 308 safe agricultural food supply chains with a total area of ​​over 4,500 hectares. Son La focuses on developing tourism rapidly and sustainably, linked to the preservation and promotion of ethnic cultural identity, tangible and intangible cultural heritage, and local products. The province is also promoting and building the brand and image of Son La tourism. In 2024, Son La is expected to welcome nearly 5 million visitors, with estimated revenue of 5,800 billion VND. The role of the tourism industry in the socio-economic development of the province is increasingly being enhanced.

Delegates exchange views at the forum.

Creating dialogues to promote the export of Son La agricultural products in the new era.

At the forum, experts, scientists, businesses, and cooperatives exchanged views on topics such as: exporting agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products in the new context, better meeting market regulations; promoting Son La's agricultural exports in the new era; and developing sustainable tourism in Son La - challenges and innovative models. They also updated on market trends, policies, and international trade agreements that directly affect agricultural exports, promote tourism development linked to international trade, and enhance the competitiveness of Son La's agricultural products. Through this, they provided businesses with solutions and models for sustainable tourism development, building Son La into a prominent destination on the domestic and international tourism map.

Delegates visit the booth displaying agricultural products from Son La province.

Delegates visit the booth showcasing tourism products from Son La province.

Through this forum, appropriate policy recommendations will be made to support local businesses in improving their market access capabilities and effectively utilizing international commitments, especially in the context of increasing emphasis on quality standards, traceability, and sustainable development.

Huy Thanh