At the meeting, Son La’s leaders said that in implementing Politburo Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW on international integration in the new context, the province is focusing on building a project on developing the border economic area for the 2026-2030 period, with a vision to 2035.

The province aims to turn its border areas into a western economic growth driver, with a synchronised and modern infrastructure system, a rational economic structure, improved living standards for local people, and firmly maintained national defence and security.

A key focus is the planning and development of the Chieng Khuong main border gate area, with a scale of about 19.32 hectares. The project will comprise a joint control station, customs inspection and supervision zones, quarantine areas, cargo inspection yards, vehicle parking facilities, and a fully integrated technical infrastructure system.

Permanent Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu acknowledged and hailed Son La’s achievements in socio-economic development, especially in maintaining border security and effectively implementing external relations work.

He urged Son La to continue promoting external relations activities, particularly by strengthening cooperation with localities in Laos, thereby contributing to building a peaceful, stable, cooperative and sustainably developed border area.

On the same day, Nguyen Minh Vu and the delegation conducted a field survey at Chieng Khuong main border gate in Chieng Khuong Commune. The border gate plays an important role in trade between Son La and northern Lao provinces, connecting to National Highway 4G.

Nguyen Dinh Viet, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Son La Provincial People’s Committee, reported to the delegation on the implementation of Politburo Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW on international integration in the new context.

Permanent Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Vu emphasised that the field survey serves as an important basis for Son La to develop mechanisms and policies to attract investment and promote border economic development. This will help create favourable conditions for production and business activities, facilitate the circulation of goods, and gradually form a highlight of regional connectivity, generating new momentum for socio-economic development.

He also affirmed that the effective development of border gate areas not only brings economic benefits but also contributes to strengthening and nurturing the special traditional friendship between Viet Nam and Laos in a sustainable manner.