Building a border of peace, friendship, stability, cooperation, and development

According to the report of the Provincial border work steering committee, the political security and social order situation in the province's border areas remains stable. However, the situation and activities of various types of crimes—particularly those related to drug trafficking—continue to be complex. Other illegal activities still occur, creating conditions that hostile forces and criminal elements could exploit to disrupt public order and security in the region. Therefore, in the first half of 2025, the Steering Committee and its member agencies proactively implemented border-related tasks in accordance with the evolving situation. The Committee's standing body and relevant member agencies worked together to review and consolidate the organizational structure and operational regulations to maintain stable operations. In May 2025, the Steering Committee advised the province to organize the 21st border affairs meeting between the border delegations of Son La province and Houaphanh province, and the 15th meeting between the delegations of Son La province and Luang Prabang province. It also advised the provincial People's Committee to issue directives for implementing the contents of the minutes from these meetings. Additionally, the Steering Committee organized a working delegation to conduct surveys and inspections of border markers and security conditions along Son La's border areas, in accordance with Plan No. 111/KH-UBND dated April 24, 2025, issued by the Son La Provincial People's Committee.

In managing borderlines, national markers, and ensuring national defense and security in border areas, the Son La Provincial Border Guard Command and the People's Committees of border districts have consistently maintained close coordination with the relevant authorities of Houaphanh and Luang Prabang provinces. Together, they regularly conduct bilateral and unilateral patrols to protect the border and markers in accordance with existing agreements. Illegal migration and return migration continue to occur, although the trend is declining. Notably, there has been one household - comprising four individuals migrating from another province back to the area, and one case of a person who had previously emigrated from a border area of Son La province returning from abroad. Verification shows that the primary reasons for migration are the search for arable land and family reunification. However, because many of these households attempt to evade local authorities and the functional forces of the host country, verification efforts face significant challenges. This situation also creates conditions that can be exploited by hostile elements to incite involvement in illegal activities.

The province’s specialized forces have continued to effectively coordinate under Government Decree No. 03/2019/ND-CP dated September 5, 2019, and work closely with their Lao counterparts to maintain regular information exchange, closely monitor the situation, and strictly manage border areas. These efforts have enabled the effective implementation of preventive measures and timely responses to combat various types of crimes and hostile activities by reactionary forces, thereby ensuring security and order in the border regions.

In terms of border gate management and cross-border trade development, based on the Detailed construction plan for the Long Sap international border gate approved by the Provincial People’s Committee—including the approved tasks and documents for boundary marker installation and planning announcement signs—the Department of Construction has completed the on-site placement of boundary markers and planning announcement panels, and is currently organizing the handover of the planning markers in accordance with regulations. Regarding immigration, 13,198 entries and 13,056 exits were processed through the border gate. In addition, 11,687 entries and 12,633 exits were recorded in the border zone. As for goods, exports included 20.64 tons of cotton, 2,560.72 tons of black cotton, 1,555 square meters of corrugated iron, 620 tons of cement, and 80 tons of steel. Imports included 19,814.41 tons of iron ore and 3,108.02 tons of sugarcane. Socio-economic development in border areas continues to be promoted by the Steering Committee's member agencies through the implementation of various programs, schemes, projects, plans, residential zoning, and infrastructure development in transportation, communications, healthcare, and clean water—gradually contributing to the overall socio-economic progress of the border region.

In the remaining months of the year, Son La province will continue to maintain strict control over immigration and cross-border trade activities along the entire border within its jurisdiction. Efforts will be strengthened in both unilateral and bilateral patrols and inspections to safeguard borderlines, national markers, and other border-related infrastructure. The province will also continue directing the enhancement of area management and proactively coordinate among its internal forces in accordance with Government Decree No. 03/2019/ND-CP dated September 5, 2019. It will work closely with the specialized forces of the Lao side to monitor the situation, implement preventive measures, and promptly and effectively combat criminal activities and acts of sabotage by hostile forces. Additionally, the province will intensify the public security movement to engage the population in protecting national security, thereby ensuring social order and safety in the border areas.

Diep Huong

Translated by Huyen Vu