From heroic memories toward a journey of consolidation alongside development within a new spatial framework for Dak Lak province, eastern region steadily asserts its position, contributing to a broader development landscape.

Infrastructure projects helping shape a modern urban landscape in eastern Dak Lak province.

Unfading memories

For those who lived through wartime, liberation of Phu Yen on April 1, 1975 stands not only as a historic milestone but also as an indelible memory. Comrade Le Van Huu, Phu Yen PPC former Chairman, noted: “The liberation of Phu Yen marked a crucial link within Great Spring Victory 1975. It represented not merely military triumph but also victory of will and popular support. That very foundation has provided momentum for the locality to rise throughout subsequent decades”.

Following national reunification, Phu Yen embarked on post-war reconstruction amid numerous hardships. After more than 50 years of building and development, once heavily scarred by war, the province has gradually risen, achieving solid economic growth with a properly shifting structure. Agriculture has advanced toward higher value, closely tied with processing as well as exports; industry has developed through concentrated zones and clusters featuring processing plants together with hydropower facilities; services and tourism continue gaining momentum, supported by a growing system of high-quality accommodation. Infrastructure has been developed in a relatively synchronised manner, with key projects including Tuy Hoa Airport, Vung Ro Port, major transport corridors, alongside extensive electricity, water, and telecommunications networks.

Simultaneously, culture, education, healthcare, along with social welfare have recorded positive progress, while living standards continue to improve.

Development aspirations in a new space

A major turning point came when Phu Yen was merged with Dak Lak on July 1, 2025. Once a coastal locality, the area has become a provincial gateway to the sea, playing a key role in overall development strategy.

Comrade Nguyen Thien Van, PPC Vice Chairman, noted: “Provincial merger represents not merely a change in administrative scale but also generates new momentum. Eastern region, with advantages in marine economy, tourism as well as services, will complement agricultural and industrial advantages of western area, forming a more balanced alongside sustainable development structure”.

A long coastline providing strong potential for tourism and service development in the eastern region.

Since the merger, transport infrastructure has gradually been developed in a synchronised manner, enabling smoother connectivity across mountainous and lowland areas, as well as inland-coastal links. Key transport routes have been upgraded and expanded, facilitating trade, tourism, along with investment attraction.

With advantages including a long coastline, diverse natural landscapes together with numerous historical sites, eastern region is steadily asserting distinct appeal. Many new tourism products have been introduced, attracting both domestic and international visitors. Mr. Nguyen Le Vu, Deputy Director, Department of Culture, Sports, Tourism, said: “Tourism development involves not only utilising existing resources but also aligning with cultural preservation while improving local livelihoods. This remains a long-term direction for sustainable growth”.

Eastern part of the province is also emerging as an attractive destination for major corporations, opening prospects for strong breakthroughs in coming years. At South Phu Yen Economic Zone, a series of large-scale projects are under implementation, drawing substantial capital. Notably, projects by Hoa Phat Group, with total planned investment of around 120 trillion VND, include an integrated steel complex, Bai Goc Port along with Hoa Tam Industrial Park (IP). In parallel, N&G Group JSC has launched Phu Yen High-Tech IP project, with investment exceeding 2.3 trillion VND, targeting high-tech sectors such as electronics, A.I as well as renewable energy.

Numerous social housing alongside commercial housing projects are under way, gradually shaping a modern, multi-segment urban landscape. Typical examples include project chains by Cloud Gate Group together with HTL Vietnam consortium in Tuy Hoa, comprising low-rise urban areas, high-rise apartments and social housing, with total investment of around 7 trillion VND.

Looking back on a 51-year journey since liberation, land once known as Phu Yen has undergone a long path marked by significant milestones. From a fierce battlefield, it has risen to become an important growth driver within overall development framework of Dak Lak province.

Translated by HAI LOAN