Following the merger, Dak Lak has become the country's third-largest locality by area, encompassing a full range of terrains, from highlands and midlands to coastal plains. The adjusted Provincial Planning for the 2021 - 2030 period, with a vision towards 2050, represents a strategic step to reposition the province within an emerging development landscape.

A new development space and strategic vision

Whereas Dak Lak together with Phu Yen previously developed within two relatively independent spaces, the new province is now positioned to establish an integrated development axis connecting the Central Highlands with the coast.

According to Mr. Le Hung, Deputy Director of the Department of Construction, the adjusted Provincial Planning is an inevitable requirement under the new circumstances. It brings together two previously disconnected strengths: the production advantages of Central Highlands and the export potential of coastal region, supported by a growing seaport system.

Within the new development landscape, Buon Ma Thuot being expected to evolve into a hub for innovation, regional logistics, high-quality education and healthcare, advanced agricultural processing, together with an international coffee trading centre.

The most significant shift lies in the transition from an administrative-boundary development to a model driven by economic corridors, value chains alongside growth clusters.

The planning redefines Dak Lak as a province with a more integrated development structure, in which highlands maximise their production advantages, midlands serve as a transition zone, coupled with coastal area takes on the role of exports, port services and marine economy. More than an expansion of administrative scale but a fundamental restructuring of economic flows, involving goods, logistics, labour, technology along with investment capital.

Harnessing synergies to unlock growth

The adjusted Provincial Planning introduces a new development model comprising three economic zones, three strategic economic corridors, two growth-driving regions combined with three growth poles, replacing the previous single-centre approach.

In terms of urban development, Buon Ma Thuot will remain the regional centre; the eastern coastal area is envisioned as a focal point for marine economy, logistics and industry; while other central urban areas will serve as regional connectors alongside providers of specialised services. Under this framework, Buon Ma Thuot will be elevated into a coordinating centre for value chains stretching from the Central Highlands to the East Sea, while also serving as a hub for innovation, regional logistics, high-quality education and healthcare, advanced agricultural processing, together with an international coffee trading centre.

As for infrastructure development, the clear identification of economic corridors will help prioritise investment in strategic transport networks, logistics, digital infrastructure, energy infrastructure along with key gateway facilities.

The provincial eastern part being designated to leverage its advantages in transport infrastructure, seaports along with coastal industries.

As for investors, the planning provides greater clarity regarding priority investment zones, priority sectors and market connectivity opportunities. It not only creates additional development land reserves but also opens up new investment opportunities linked to value chains, infrastructure as well as markets.

As expressways, deep-water seaports and the South Phu Yen Economic Zone gradually realise their potential, alongside establishment of logistics centres, processing industries and innovation hubs, Dak Lak will emerge as a vital connectivity hub within a vast economic corridor, integrating more deeply into regional as well as international value chains.

Comrade Do Huu Huy, Alternate Member of the Party Central Committee and PPC Chairman, affirmed that following the merger, Dak Lak is facing a historic opportunity to establish a new growth space founded on the linkage between the highlands alongside coastline. Backed by an increasingly modern transport network and clear development priorities across tourism, industry, the marine economy, logistics combined with digital transformation, the province remains committed to building an open, transparent and business-friendly investment environment, which places citizens together with enterprises at the centre of public service delivery. By effectively harnessing its expanded potential and newly created advantages, Dak Lak aims to strengthen its position as a dynamic growth pole of the Central Region coupled with Central Highlands in the coming period.

Translated by KHUONG THAO