Speaking at a working session with the Standing Board of the Dien Bien Provincial Party Committee on July 25, the Prime Minister noted that the province possessed significant development potential but had yet to fully capitalise on its competitive advantages.

Although Dien Bien is among the few provinces that did not undergo administrative restructuring and enjoys unique geographic and historical assets, many internal bottlenecks continue to limit its growth, he said.

Dien Bien targets GRDP growth of 11.02% in 2026, but recorded 8.67% in the first half of the year, meaning growth in the remaining six months must exceed 13%.

"This is a demanding target that requires Dien Bien to renew its growth model and build a new development strategy based on its comparative advantages," the Prime Minister stated.

Border economy and tourism identified as new growth drivers

With services accounting for more than 62% of the provincial economy, the Prime Minister said Dien Bien should prioritise the development of a modern border economy by enhancing the role of Tay Trang and A Pa Chai border gates as regional centres for cross-border trade, logistics and commerce connecting Vietnam with neighbouring countries.

He also urged the province to capitalise on its unique tourism resources, by turning the advantages of Dien Bien Airport, the Dien Bien Phu Special National Historical Site, Muong Thanh Valley and the Ban Flower Festival into powerful drivers of tourism development.

Beyond tourism, the Prime Minister called for accelerated development of modern industries, particularly renewable energy, while promoting higher value-added agriculture through deep processing and sustainable flagship products.

Public investment remains a bright spot

According to reports presented at the meeting, Dien Bien's economy expanded 8.67% in the first six months of 2026, outperforming the national average. Services were the province's largest economic sector, accounting for 62.35% of GRDP. Industrial production increased 16.03%, retail sales and service revenue rose 14.86%, while import-export turnover climbed 26.68% year on year.

The province welcomed nearly one million visitors, generating tourism revenue of more than VND1.7 trillion. Notably, Dien Bien ranked first nationwide in public investment disbursement, reaching 54.3% of its annual plan.

Major infrastructure projects currently under implementation include the Son La–Dien Bien–Tay Trang Border Gate Expressway, new boarding schools in border areas, and the rural electrification programme known as "Lighting Up Dien Bien."

However, Dien Bien's economy still accounts for only around 0.3% of Vietnam's GDP, while transportation infrastructure, regional connectivity and the investment environment are underdeveloped, limiting the province's ability to fully leverage Dien Bien Airport and other strategic assets.

Leveraging new planning to create growth poles

Provincial Party Secretary Tran Tien Dung said Dien Bien is reviewing newly identified opportunities in mineral resources and renewable energy following recent planning adjustments.

He noted the province has considerable potential for wind and solar power, supporting Vietnam's green transition and its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

The province has asked the Government to incorporate additional renewable energy projects into national planning to create new growth momentum, generate employment and strengthen socio-economic development in border areas.

Concluding the meeting, the Prime Minister instructed Dien Bien to maintain its leading position in public investment disbursement and strive to complete 100% of its 2026 plan.

He also called for faster implementation of the province's new master plan, including the development of four growth poles, with the Dien Bien Phu–Muong Thanh–Muong Phang area serving as the central growth hub.

Priority should be given to transport connectivity and maximizing the role of Dien Bien Airport in supporting regional development.

"The ultimate goal is for Dien Bien to become not the country's endpoint, but an economic gateway for the region," the Prime Minister said.