A new page of history officially opened in the Northwest region when the new Lao Cai province was established on the basis of merging the old Lao Cai and Yen Bai provinces. This is not simply an administrative event, but a historic meeting of two development philosophies with the same destination: creating an ecologically "Green" land and bringing true "Happiness" to the people. The brilliant achievements in the past 5 years are a solid launching pad for this new journey.
Báo Lào Cai•02/07/2025
The inevitable convergence of two aspirations
The merger of Lao Cai and Yen Bai is an inevitable meeting of two localities with a common strategic vision, taking people as the center. . If Yen Bai created a breakthrough when it pioneered the inclusion of the "Happiness Index" in the resolution and considered it a measure of development, Lao Cai was steadfast in its "Green" growth path, harmonizing and sustaining the economy and ecological conservation. .
Dao people peel cinnamon bark
Yen Bai's philosophy is clearly expressed in the Resolution of the 19th Provincial Party Congress, term 2020-2025: "fast and sustainable development in the direction of 'green, harmony, identity and happiness'" Explaining this bold move, former Provincial Party Secretary - Do Duc Duy (now Minister of Agriculture and Environment ) said: the province has found its own philosophy with the core question: "how to make people satisfied and happy" .
Along with that, Lao Cai consistently pursues the "Green" development orientation as a strategic economic policy. The province identifies its most valuable assets as "the green of the mountains and forests, the purity of the environment." One of the main growth drivers of the province is tourism and border gate economy, both of which directly depend on the quality of natural and cultural resources. Therefore, choosing "Green" development is a strategic decision to protect and increase the value of local natural capital.
This combination creates a perfect synergy: “Green” is a necessary condition – a clean environment and a sustainable economy. . "Happiness" is a sufficient condition - the enjoyment of the fruits of development by each citizen. .
From resolutions to changes in life
The philosophy of "Green and Happy" has deeply permeated life through specific actions in the period 2020-2025. . Both provinces focus on developing green economy. Yen Bai makes its mark with the brand of Van Yen organic cinnamon and Suoi Giang Shan Tuyet tea. Lao Cai takes advantage of its climate to develop medicinal herbs, cold-water fish and high-value temperate vegetables. In industry, clean technology, deep processing and energy saving projects are always prioritized. .
Harvesting ancient Shan Tuyet tea from Suoi Giang
Aware of their role as the "green lungs" of the Northwest, both provinces have achieved impressive achievements in forest protection. By the end of 2024, Lao Cai's forest cover rate will reach 59.37%, while Yen Bai will remain stable at 63%, among the top in the country. .
Sustainable poverty reduction is a bright spot. By the end of 2024, Lao Cai's poverty rate will be 11.24%, while Yen Bai's will be only 5.68%. . The quality of education and healthcare is improved with pioneering models such as "Happy School" in Yen Bai and "Friendly Hospital" in Lao Cai. The New Rural Program has changed the face of the countryside comprehensively. .
"Sweet fruit" and happy stories
Behind the numbers are the joy and life changes of the people. In Van Yen, cinnamon trees have become the "tree of happiness" for thousands of households. . Mrs. Pham Thi Quy in An Thinh commune is a proof. Switching to growing organic cinnamon, Mrs. Quy shared: "Since switching to growing organic cinnamon, I find the care simpler; at the same time, it increases the value... and contributes to better environmental protection" .
People of all ethnic groups in the area participate in folk games at festivals.
In the highlands of Y Ty (Bat Xat), community tourism has brought a prosperous life to the Ha Nhi people. Ms. San Tho Mo, from only relying on a few fields of rice, boldly renovated her rammed earth house to make a homestay. She said: "Revenue from tourism contributes to increased income, much higher than from farming." .
This success has no small contribution from dedicated grassroots cadres. Mr. Tran Thong Nhat - former Chairman of the People's Committee of An Binh Commune, Van Yen District, Yen Bai Province, recalled: "At first, it was very difficult to mobilize people, but when the first projects were completed, bringing practical benefits, people saw, believed and voluntarily followed." .
Confidence for a new journey
The merger is not an addition, but a multiplication of power, creating a new, wider space for development. . A unique tourism "heritage belt" of the Northwest was formed, seamlessly connecting from Thac Ba Lake, Suoi Giang tea, Mu Cang Chai terraced fields to the "roof of Indochina" Fansipan .
At this historic moment, comrade Trinh Xuan Truong - Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Council, shared his profound thoughts. He emphasized that the merger is "a great historic opportunity for the two provinces of Lao Cai - Yen Bai when merging to awaken their potential and strengths in a synchronous manner, creating a new development space". He further analyzed: "This revolution in organizational apparatus is of historical and strategic nature of the Party. For localities, we have many opportunities to develop socio-economy, ensure national defense, security as well as foreign affairs. The potentials and strengths of Lao Cai and Yen Bai have great similarities in culture, as well as development pillars such as tourism, industry, agriculture - forestry and border gate economy. From there, the two provinces will be determined to realize the ideas that Hoang Lien Son province has not been able to do before."
With that belief, the key tasks set for the new province are to ensure the smooth operation of the administrative apparatus, promote economic growth and fully realize the goal of "Happiness". .
If before, "Green" and "Happiness" were two parallel melodies, now they have blended into a majestic harmony. With a solid foundation and the consensus of the people, a prosperous future awaits Lao Cai province ahead. .
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