Son la: Party General Secretary and State President To Lam on July 16 urged Son La to develop into the Northwest's centre for ecological agriculture, agro-processing, and distinctive tourism while maintaining environmental sustainability and social welfare. At a working session with the provincial Party Committee's Standing Board, the leader acknowledged the province's efforts but pointed to persistent bottlenecks, including limited improvements in economic growth quality, productivity and resilience, slow growth in tourism revenue despite rising visitor numbers, delayed investment projects, sluggish labour restructuring, constrained financial capacity, and mounting risks from natural disasters, climate change, and resource degradation.

According to Vietnam News Agency, the leader emphasized the importance of overcoming these challenges to fully leverage the province's potential. He called for increased focus on enhancing the quality of economic growth and productivity while addressing the issues of delayed investment projects and sluggish labor restructuring. The state president also highlighted the need for Son La to improve its financial capacity to support development initiatives.

The working session also shed light on the rising visitor numbers which have not yet translated into significant growth in tourism revenue. This indicates a need for a more strategic approach in boosting the tourism industry's contribution to the province's economy. Additionally, To Lam underscored the necessity of addressing environmental concerns, including the impacts of climate change and resource degradation, to ensure sustainable development in the region.

The leader's remarks aim to steer Son La towards becoming a leading example of ecological agriculture and tourism in the Northwest, balancing economic development with environmental and social considerations.