Aspiration to become a center of international economic cooperation

On September 10, 2025, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 1958/QD/TTG approving the adjustment of the master plan for the construction of Lao Cai Border Gate Economic Zone until 2045 with the goal of building this place into a dynamic economic zone and a cross-border economic cooperation zone.

This is both a historic opportunity and a great challenge for the political system and the people of Lao Cai province. Because, with the advantage of an important gateway to the Northwest of the country, Lao Cai Border Gate Economic Zone carries on its mission of pioneering in forming a cross-border economic cooperation zone - an unprecedented model in our country.

Vietnam and China have a land border of nearly 1,450 km, passing through 7 provinces of Vietnam. In particular, the border between Lao Cai (Vietnam) and Yunnan (China) plays a key role, being a link in the ASEAN - China economic value chain. Over the past years, trade through Lao Cai - Yunnan border gates has become the main driving force of the local budget, contributing greatly to the import - export turnover between Vietnam and China. In particular, in recent years, Lao Cai has been growing strongly, becoming a new growth pole of the Northern Midlands and Mountains. Transport infrastructure has been continuously invested: Noi Bai - Lao Cai expressway; Lao Cai - Kunming international railway; National Highways 279, 4D, 70, 32C connecting Lao Cai with Lai Chau, Tuyen Quang, Phu Tho, Son La and the upcoming high-speed railway with international standard gauge connecting Hai Phong - Hanoi - Lao Cai port and Yunnan province (China) will further boost Lao Cai's development.

Over the years, trade through the Lao Cai - Yunnan border gates has become the main driving force of local budgets.

Therefore, the Lao Cai Provincial Planning for the period 2021 - 2030 has clearly defined the vision of building Lao Cai into an international cooperation center and a regional logistics center. In particular, the Lao Cai Border Gate Economic Zone has been approved by the Government for planning until 2045, with the goal of becoming a trade connection between Vietnam and ASEAN with the Southwest - China market. These achievements create a solid foundation for Lao Cai to be able to take on a pioneering role in building a cross-border cooperation zone.

Immediately after the Government approved the adjustment of the Master Plan for the construction of Lao Cai Border Gate Economic Zone until 2045, Lao Cai province was assigned to preside over and coordinate with the Institute for Strategy and Policy Research on Industry and Trade (Ministry of Industry and Trade) to develop the Project "Lao Cai - Yunnan Cross-Border Economic Cooperation Zone". This project is implemented on the basis of the orientation of Resolution No. 11-NQ/TW, in accordance with international agreements, Decision 1620/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister and memorandums of understanding between ministries and branches of Vietnam and China.

According to Mr. Nguyen Thanh Sinh - Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, when starting to develop the Project, Lao Cai province and the Ministry of Industry and Trade consulted with central ministries, departments, branches and leading experts at home and abroad; at the same time, they deeply analyzed the potential of Lao Cai, the transport infrastructure system and risk management mechanisms. When the Project is implemented, it will contribute to the most effective exploitation of potential, distinct advantages, promoting the unique cultural identity values ​​of Lao Cai, to truly create a prosperous and happy life for the people of all ethnic groups in the province.

According to Mr. Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan - Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, the Project is the basis for proposing the Government to submit to the National Assembly Standing Committee to issue a separate Resolution on piloting a number of specific mechanisms and policies for the Lao Cai Cross-Border Economic Cooperation Zone similar to the pilot models in Da Nang and Hai Phong. This Resolution will create a strong, stable and internationally competitive legal corridor, attractive enough to strategic investors; at the same time, strengthen the Vietnam - China strategic partnership, ensure border security and sustainable development of the border area.

Mr. Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan spoke at the conference.

It can be seen that Lao Cai Border Gate Economic Zone is not only a commercial space, but also a multi-functional center: trade - services, logistics, export processing, supporting industry, finance, tourism, cultural exchange. The goal by 2030 is to reach a trade turnover of over 10 billion USD, creating tens of thousands of high-quality jobs, promoting the development of the entire Northwest region. The strategic significance of this model is to both strengthen international integration, enhance Vietnam's position in the regional value chain, maintain border security, and consolidate the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and China.

International practice shows that cross-border economic cooperation zones always play a new role as a driving force for development. In Central Asia, the Khorgos cooperation zone between China and Kazakhstan has quickly become an international shopping, logistics and tourism center. In Southeast Asia, the Mohan - Boten model between China and Laos is associated with the economic corridor, creating great attraction for investment and services. These successes affirm that, with strategic vision, preferential policies and flexible operating mechanisms, cooperation zones can absolutely make a breakthrough. With the advantage of location, diverse potential and support from the Central Government, Lao Cai has all the conditions to replicate that success right on the Vietnam - China border.

Mr. Nguyen Huy Long - Chairman of Lao Cai Business Association

Mr. Nguyen Huy Long - Chairman of Lao Cai Business Association, commented: When the Cross-border Economic Cooperation Zone Project is implemented, along with opportunities, there are also many challenges such as the lack of legal framework and bilateral coordination mechanism; volatile market, fierce competition, and risk of smuggling. In addition, the internal capacity of Lao Cai enterprises is still limited compared to Yunnan (China) and the logistics infrastructure in Lao Cai is not really synchronous. If there is no fundamental solution, this will be a barrier to integration. However, he believes that with the investment of the Government and the support of ministries and branches, Lao Cai will overcome it.

It can be affirmed that the implementation of the Project "Building a Lao Cai - Yunnan Cross-Border Economic Cooperation Zone" will become a driving force to attract large-scale investment projects, applying high technology, not only bringing benefits to Lao Cai but also creating a spillover effect, promoting the development of neighboring mountainous provinces. The project will contribute to forming a closed value chain right in the region, from production, deep processing to logistics and export, thereby increasing the value of local agricultural products and minerals. Along with that, the synchronous upgrading of multimodal transport infrastructure will help Lao Cai firmly affirm its role as the shortest and most effective gateway in connecting the large market of Southwest China with ASEAN countries through the Hai Phong - Quang Ninh seaport system.

Planning of Lao Cai Border Gate Economic Zone to 2040, vision to 2050.

This is also considered one of the breakthroughs of the Lao Cai Provincial Party Committee in the 2025 - 2030 term with specific contents such as: "... Building the Border Gate Economic Zone to become an economic trading center of the ASEAN region with the Southwest region of China, the core is the Cross-Border Economic Cooperation Zone in Lao Cai ward and Bat Xat commune with multi-sector functions, trade, finance, logistics, tourism centers. Completing smart border gates at Kim Thanh - Bac Son International Border Gate and Ban Vuoc - Ba Sai; upgrading sub-border gates to become national border gates. Researching and building a new generation free trade zone...".

Import and export procedures are increasingly convenient.

The 1st Congress of Lao Cai Provincial Party Committee, term 2025 - 2030 took place in a context of special historical significance. For the first time after the reorganization of administrative units, Lao Cai entered a new development stage with a long-term vision, not only stopping at becoming the center of the Northwest region but also with the aspiration to reach the international level. The Lao Cai - Yunnan cross-border economic cooperation zone, if successfully implemented, will create a breakthrough in building Lao Cai province into a center for international economic trade connection, developing in the direction of "Green, harmony, identity, happiness"; is a pioneering model, creating an important precedent for other border localities of the country. With high political determination, consensus of the people of all ethnic groups and strong support from the Central Government, Lao Cai has all the basis to turn its aspirations into reality.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/khat-vong-vuon-minh-thanh-trung-tam-hop-tac-kinh-te-quoc-te-post883370.html