(en.sonla.gov.vn) In 2024, despite numerous challenges and difficulties, Son La province has proactively and flexibly strengthened its foreign affairs efforts, achieving positive results. These efforts have contributed to effectively implementing the Party and State's foreign policy, while also serving national defense, security, economic and social development, and cultural exchanges within the province.
Son La province successfully organizes the "Son La - Houaphanh cultural tourism festival 2024"
With the guidance and support of the Central committee for external relations and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Son La province has successfully implemented various foreign affairs activities in 2024. The province has maintained and expanded its cooperative relations with foreign embassies and international organizations in Vietnam, while particularly strengthening its solidarity and comprehensive cooperation with nine provinces of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.The Provincial Party Committee and People's Committee have issued directives to implement the Party and State’s foreign policies within the province. They have also instructed the review, supplementation, and adjustment of inbound and outbound delegations, as well as foreign affairs activities, ensuring compliance with the Party and State’s regulations and alignment with practical foreign relations directives from the Central Government.
State diplomacy has been implemented comprehensively and effectively. The People’s Committee of Son La province has organized 54 delegations of provincial leaders and representatives from various departments, districts, and cities for official overseas missions. Additionally, the province has welcomed 42 delegations to Son La, ensuring safety, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with international practices, as well as regulations from the Central Government and the province.
Implementing Directive No. 15 of the Party Secretariat on economic diplomacy for national development until 2030, Son La province has proactively engaged with international organizations, countries, and territories worldwide to facilitate trade promotion and agricultural exports. In 2024, the estimated export value of goods reached $177.13 million, marking an 8.69% increase compared to the same period in 2023, and achieving 90.33% of the 2024 target. Meanwhile, the import value stood at $10.11 million, an increase of 12.31% compared to the same period in 2023, reaching 77.78% of the 2024 plan.
Son La province is currently implementing two projects funded by ODA and concessional loans, including: Investment, construction, and development of the grassroots healthcare service supply system project and Urban drainage and wastewater treatment system project in Son La City. Additionally, the province is in the pre-investment phase for: The urban infrastructure improvement for climate change adaptation in Son La City project, funded by AFD (Agence Française de Développement). The disaster-resilient rural development project in Son La, funded by JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency). Moreover, Son La is actively working with central ministries and agencies to mobilize new ODA and concessional loan projects for the 2026-2030 plan. For grant-based ODA projects, the province is currently implementing three projects: Phase 2 of the "Gender equality promotion through enhanced economic efficiency in agricultural production and tourism development in Son La" project (GREAT 2 Son La) (2022-2027). The "Development of a value chain-oriented fruit production area meeting export and processing standards" project, funded by the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Special Fund. The "Poverty reduction through agricultural production and trade development in the Vietnam-Laos border area" project, also funded by the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Special Fund.
Actively mobilizing and managing foreign non-governmental aid, Son La province has approved the implementation of 10 aid packages with a committed funding amount of $4,822,324 as of November 14, 2024. These foreign non-governmental programs and projects have made significant and practical contributions to the province's socio-economic development, supporting livelihood improvement for local people while also enhancing awareness and capacity-building for both residents and local officials.
Cultural diplomacy has been actively promoted in Son La province. Through various communication channels and the reception of delegations from foreign embassies in Vietnam and international organizations, the province has successfully introduced its landscape, people, and culture, as well as its economic potential, investment environment, and cooperation opportunities to international friends. Son La has successfully organized the "Son La - Houaphanh Cultural Tourism Festival 2024" in Houaphanh province, Laos, and the Ceremony announcing the recognition of Moc Chau as a National Tourist Area in 2024 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. These events hold great significance, strengthening the solid and enduring friendship between Vietnam and Laos, particularly the comprehensive partnership between Son La and nine Lao provinces. Additionally, they promote and showcase Son La’s cultural and tourism potential to both domestic and international audiences, contributing to the preservation, promotion, and celebration of Vietnam’s diverse ethnic cultural heritage in the era of renewal, integration, and development.
Le Hong
Translated by Huyen Vu