Lao Cai strengthens integration, raises position

Lao Cai city (Lao Cai province) is increasingly developing harmoniously and dynamically.

Promote diplomacy and cooperation

In recent years, Lao Cai province has continued to consolidate and deepen established relations with foreign localities, including Yunnan province (China), Nouvelle Aquitaine region (France) and Brest province (Belarus); sought opportunities and expanded cooperative relations with localities of Japan, Korea, and India; maintained and expanded relations with other international partners, including international organizations, major financial institutions, diplomatic representative agencies of countries and foreign economic groups and enterprises.

First of all, the province focuses on building and developing neighboring diplomatic relations, focusing on implementing many practical and effective foreign affairs activities at many levels and in many fields in diplomatic relations with Yunnan province (China).

In 2023, the 3rd Conference between the Provincial Party Secretaries of 5 provinces and the 9th Meeting of the Joint Working Group of Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Dien Bien, Lai Chau (Vietnam) and Yunnan (China) provinces were successfully organized in Ha Giang province. Recently, from June 11 to 15, 2024, a delegation led by the Provincial Party Secretaries of Lao Cai, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, and Ha Giang provinces attended the 4th Annual Conference between Provincial Party Secretaries and the 10th Meeting of the Joint Working Group of Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Lai Chau, and Dien Bien provinces (Vietnam) and Yunnan province (China).

At this event, Lao Cai Provincial Party Secretary Dang Xuan Phong had a courtesy meeting with Hong Ha District Party Secretary, Yunnan Province (China) Trieu Thuy Quan to continue promoting the cooperative relationship between the two localities.

Comrade Dang Xuan Phong suggested that the two sides strengthen cooperation, especially the early start of construction of a bridge across the Red River to improve the capacity of goods clearance; suggested that Hong Ha district report to the Chinese side to soon carry out procedures related to the standard gauge railway line Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong (Vietnam) - Hekou (Yunnan - China), first of all, to soon start construction of the standard gauge railway connection between Lao Cai station (Vietnam) and Hekou Bac station (Yunnan, China); study and report to the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture to ensure the requirements for designated border gates to import agricultural products and fruits from Vietnam. In addition, the agencies of the two sides need to coordinate well to organize the Red River Festival alternately every year, towards 2025 it will be a national festival with the participation of many provinces and cities along the Red River.

For the Nouvelle Aquitaine region (France), since the signing of the cooperation agreement in 2002, Lao Cai province and the Nouvelle Aquitaine region have achieved many positive cooperation results in a number of key areas such as ecological agriculture, tourism, conservation and promotion of local heritages, while contributing to promoting the image of the country and people of both Vietnam and France.

From May 26 to June 1, a delegation from Lao Cai province led by Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee Hoang Giang visited and worked in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region so that the two sides could evaluate the results of cooperation in the past time on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of cooperation between the two localities.

Through 5 stages of signing, the Nouvelle Aquitaine region has helped Lao Cai province research, test and develop many temperate fruit trees originating from France such as peach, apple, plum, kiwi, pear... suitable for the province's soil. Comrade Hoang Giang affirmed: The cooperation between Lao Cai province and the Nouvelle Aquitaine region is a good and effective model, the result of direct cooperation between localities based on the needs and actual capabilities of each side. The effectiveness of cooperation not only brings economic value but also brings each side cultural and social value to the local people.

In the process of expanding foreign relations to accelerate integration, the province also focuses on economic diplomacy and cultural diplomacy through seeking cooperation opportunities with foreign non-governmental organizations and foreign diplomatic missions in Vietnam. Informing local agencies and businesses about economic diplomacy programs and events, introducing suitable and potential international partners so that businesses can proactively connect and seek cooperation opportunities.

Through meetings and working sessions with localities, organizations, and foreign delegations, Lao Cai provincial leaders always introduce the potential and advantages in local economic and social development; provide information channels for development orientation and information on mechanisms and policies to attract investment in the province such as incentives on land use fees, land rent; incentives on corporate income tax, on site clearance mechanisms, support for enterprises in terms of labor; regulations on incentives and investment attraction in Lao Cai Border Gate Economic Zone, etc.

In the field of cultural diplomacy, cultural exchange and cooperation activities with Yunnan province (China), Nouvelle Aquitaine region (France), with embassies and foreign organizations are continuously organized, such as: Coordinating the organization of the 9th and 10th International Yoga Days; supporting the organization of the Vietnam-India art exchange program with the participation of the Tetseo Sister cultural and art performance troupe of India in Lao Cai province; connecting with the Korean Embassy to organize the program "Korean Cultural Day in Sa Pa"...

Hoạt động giao thương giữa hai nước Việt Nam - Trung Quốc tại Cửa khẩu quốc tế đường bộ số II Kim Thành. — Trade activities between Vietnam and China at Kim Thanh International Road Border Gate No. II.

Building a peaceful and friendly border

As a gateway province in the northwestern border of the country, Lao Cai has an important strategic position in terms of economy - politics - security - defense of the midland and mountainous region of the North as well as the whole country.

Since the beginning of the term, the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and the People's Committee of Lao Cai province have directed the balancing and allocation of public investment capital for national defense and security projects and works according to the approved schedule, such as: River and stream embankment systems, border embankments; construction of defense works, drill areas... Territorial sovereignty and national borders have been maintained. The political security situation and social order and safety in the province are stable.

Some issues arising related to border and foreign affairs were promptly and effectively handled and resolved by leaders and directives. The province's national defense, security and foreign affairs work all achieved positive results. The border between Lao Cai province and Yunnan province (China) has been assessed as a typical border that can be replicated across the entire Vietnam-China border, both promoting socio-economic development, ensuring national defense and security, and affirming the role of the Fatherland's fence.

The 8th Vietnam - China Border Defense Friendship Exchange Program in April 2024 had many rich activities for officers, soldiers and people on the border such as: Salute ceremony, painting sovereignty markers; planting friendship trees; inauguration of the Vietnam - China Friendship Cultural House; visiting and presenting gifts to Kim Dong Primary School, Lao Cai city and officers and soldiers of Lao Cai International Border Gate Border Guard Station; Talks between the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense and the Chinese Ministry of National Defense... These activities have left good images in the hearts of soldiers and people on the border.

According to Nhan Dan Newspaper

Source