Expanding processing industries, renewable energy, logistics networks, along with industrial parks and clusters is expected to provide a major growth impetus for Dak Lak as the province targets double-digit economic growth.

According to comrade Nguyen Thi Thu An, Director of the Department of Industry and Trade, said that alongside investment in industrial infrastructure, Dak Lak is prioritising deep processing, high-tech manufacturing, supporting industries, machinery production as well as equipment serving manufacturing and processing. Increasing processing capacity for high-value export commodities will not only raise product value but also generate greater demand for electricity, cold storage, packaging, transport, mechanical engineering and other industrial services.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Mr. Truong Thanh Hoai, alongside his delegation, conducting an on-site inspection of an industrial infrastructure project in Dak Lak.

To achieve the 16.62% Industrial Production Index (IIP) growth target for 2026, industrial output must expand by around 19.41% during the final five months, amid continued volatility in markets, raw-material prices and logistics costs. Maintaining production while accelerating commissioning of new projects is therefore critical.

Dak Lak PPC Chairman, comrade Do Huu Huy stressed that the province is avoiding scattered investment in favour of projects capable of generating higher added value, strengthening value-chain linkages and creating spillover effects across other economic sectors. Dak Lak is stepping up efforts to clear obstacles, enabling new projects to commence operations at the earliest opportunity. Simultaneously, the province is promoting deeper processing, increasing product value and developing stronger brands for local agricultural commodities.

Nine new projects, with combined investment of approximately 1.12 trillion VND, are expected to begin operations during the final five months of 2026, adding capacity across the industrial sector. They include wood-processing and pharmaceutical projects, power facilities, combined with durian-processing plants.

Energy unlocks novel growth potential

Alongside processing industries, energy is emerging as a new growth driver for Dak Lak.

During 2025-2030, the provincial power development plan includes 91 generation projects with combined capacity of around 7,823.5MW. So far, investment policies have been approved for 19 projects totalling 1,217.5MW, including four wind power projects with combined capacity of 200MW that are already operational.

A wind power project in Ea Khal Commune, Dak Lak.

Comrade Do Huu Huy, Alternate Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and PPC Chairman, said ensuring energy security while facilitating full transmission of renewable power remains a key priority. Dak Lak will expedite procedures for eligible projects while seeking central government support in accelerating major power-transmission works. This will have a direct bearing on industrial development.

Mr. Truong Thanh Hoai, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, said Dak Lak should forge closer links between its western coupled with eastern development areas. The west holds advantages in deep processing of agricultural and food products, while the east is well positioned for manufacturing, heavy industry, plus marine-based sectors linked with seaports and logistics. Large-scale projects could serve as anchors for new industrial ecosystems as well as supply chains.

In energy development, investment efficiency, transmission capacity plus local industrial demand should be considered together. Attracting energy-intensive industrial projects could generate greater added value, create jobs and increase budget revenues.

This approach requires Dak Lak to develop an integrated strategy covering industry, energy and trade, backed by selected strategic investors along with sufficiently large projects capable of driving entire value chains.

Translated by HAI LOAN