Frank questioning alongside accountable responses characterised the question-and-answer session held during the second sitting of the 11th Dak Lak Provincial People's Council for the 2026 - 2031 tenure on July 2.

Seeking solutions to sustain growth momentum

Head of the Economic and Budget Committee of the Provincial People's Council, comrade Phan Thi Ha Phuoc noted that although industrial production, exports, tourism, as well as the number of newly established enterprises all increased in the first half of 2026, provincial GRDP expanded by only 7.84%, falling well short of target outlined under the provincial growth scenario.

Responding to legislators, Director of the Department of Finance, comrade Cao Dinh Huy said the shortfall stemmed primarily from sluggish market recovery, subdued consumer demand, rising input combined with logistics costs, prolonged bottlenecks in land and investment procedures, alongside the limited financial capacity, corporate governance and digital transformation (DX) among enterprises.

To tackle these challenges, the Department of Finance pledged a more proactive along with evidence-based advisory approach. Priority will be given to effectively implementing the 2026 programme to improve the investment and business environment, enhance the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI), together with expand the "green lane" mechanism for strategic investment projects.

Production and business activities across Dak Lak contributing to the provincial socio-eco development.

Beyond economic issues, legislators also questioned provincial authorities on land management, healthcare infrastructure together with the operational effectiveness of the newly restructured administrative system.

Delegate Do Xuan Dung, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Council of Ea Sup commune, highlighted prolonged delays in approving land-use schemes for land originating from agricultural coupled with forestry enterprises.

Responding to the issue, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, comrade Bui Hong Quy said that by the end of 2024, 40 out of 44 relevant units had completed the preparation alongside approval of land-use plans. However, these plans are currently being reviewed and revised to ensure compliance with the novel regulations.

Regarding the effectiveness of public service centres, delegate Lai Thi Loan, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairwoman of the People's Council of Ea Wer commune, sought clarification on measures ensuring these centres operate efficiently rather than becoming another administrative intermediary.

In response, Director of the Department of Home Affairs, comrade Truong Ngoc Tuan said the department would coordinate with relevant agencies to review as well as refine the centres' functions and responsibilities while advancing financial autonomy and DX to ensure operational effectiveness.

Resolutely delivering on development goals

Addressing the session, comrade Do Huu Huy, Alternate Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and PPC Chairman, emphasised that the first half of 2026 marked a pivotal period as Dak Lak simultaneously stabilised its organisational apparatus following administrative merger, completed institutional reforms and planning, while removing key bottlenecks for medium and long-term development.

PPC Chairman, comrade Do Huu Huy addressing the session.

The PPC Chairman stressed that the province would face considerable pressure during the second half of the year, with economic growth required to reach between 11.5% along with 12.2%. Priority will be given to fast-tracking public investment disbursement, accelerating the implementation of off-budget projects, particularly in processing industries and renewable energy, promoting exports of key agricultural products, while fully capitalising on the provincial tourism and service potential.

Concurrently, the province will strengthen inter-agency coordination to implement periodic health check-up programmes and establish electronic health records for residents. Priority will also be given to upgrading educational facilities in remote, isolated combined with ethnic minority areas, while resolutely implementing plans to address residential and production land needs among ethnic minority communities. In particular, Buon Ma Thuot's inclusion in National Geographic magazine's Top 15 Most Attractive Culinary Destinations in the World for 2026 offers a valuable opportunity to advance the provincial action programme aimed at developing Dak Lak into the "Coffee Capital of Vietnam".

Translated by KHUONG THAO