In line with Plan No. 220/KH-UBND dated November 5, 2025, issued by the Provincial People’s Committee on implementing economic diplomacy in service of Son La province’s socio-economic development through 2030, in the first half of 2025, the Provincial People’s Committee instructed subordinate agencies and units to strengthen communication and thoroughly disseminate central and provincial directives related to economic diplomacy. The focus of the communications was to highlight the pioneering role of economic diplomacy in mobilizing external resources, thereby enhancing economic potential, competitiveness, and adaptability. The guiding principles emphasized national interests, efficiency, and practical outcomes—with the people and businesses placed at the center of all efforts.

Provincial leaders also underscored the roles and responsibilities of all levels and sectors in leading, directing, and implementing the Party’s and State’s economic diplomacy policies. Special attention was given to responsibilities in policy advisory, enterprise support, and facilitating public access to the international economic integration environment and global markets. Further highlighted the proactive role of businesses and citizens in cooperating with state management agencies to access international market information and the economic policies of other countries. It encouraged their participation in policy development to improve the effectiveness of economic diplomacy, and emphasized their compliance with international economic integration mechanisms, policies, and legal regulations—aimed at strengthening the credibility of Vietnamese enterprises and the country as a whole. Provincial departments and agencies conducted outreach and training programs on international integration, and the trade laws and policies of other countries, for public officials and local businesses.

The provincial government directed relevant departments, sectors, and localities to inform enterprises and cooperatives about phytosanitary (SPS) regulations and trade defense measures under free trade agreements (FTAs). It also developed a media plan to promote Son La’s tourism and agricultural products through the television program “Explore Vietnam” on VTV1, and a promotional campaign on VTV to showcase Son La’s investment, trade, and tourism potential in 2025.

Businesses and cooperatives were invited to join trade missions to India and to participate in the Vietnam international exhibition on apparel, textiles, and textile technologies (VIATT) 2025. The province organized three working delegations led by Provincial People’s Committee leaders to meet with foreign embassies in Vietnam. In the first half of the year, Son La signed one international cooperation agreement with a partner from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

The province also directed relevant agencies and sectors to effectively implement policies on land use, investment incentives, tariffs, and business registration to encourage export-oriented enterprises and attract foreign direct investment (FDI), as well as high-quality foreign human resources. Administrative procedures were simplified, and favorable conditions were created for the residency and security of foreigners, in accordance with Vietnamese law and international standards. At the same time, Son La actively implemented regional economic and production zoning plans, as well as plans for upgrading transportation infrastructure, border gates, and logistics services—to reduce business costs, promote exports, and attract foreign investors. Departments and agencies were tasked with actively monitoring international economic activities and sharing relevant information with businesses. In the first six months of 2025, local organizations and enterprises were kept informed of major international economic events.

Son La has identified economic diplomacy as a key pillar of its foreign affairs strategy, recognizing its role as a critical driver for development and international integration. Looking ahead, the province will strengthen close and effective coordination among Party diplomacy, state diplomacy, and people-to-people diplomacy. It aims to integrate economic diplomacy with cultural diplomacy and national defense-security, while enhancing coordination between government agencies, localities, and businesses. The province is committed to maintaining and progressively building equitable and mutually beneficial partnerships with provinces in the Lao PDR. At the same time, it is intensifying efforts to explore markets and economic cooperation opportunities with countries beyond the ASEAN region, in order to mobilize maximum external resources in combination with internal strengths to serve Son La’s long-term development.

Diep Huong

Translated by Huyen Vu