Dak Lak province has shifted from waiting for investment toward proactive global engagement, building an open economic ecosystem, converting local potential into global competitiveness and advancing substantive economic diplomacy.

General Phan Van Giang, Politburo member, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, together with Dak Lak provincial leaders, learning about Miss Ede products at the Conference on the Announcement of the Dak Lak Provincial Master Plan and Investment Promotion.

After more than 22 years, overcoming initial challenges, the 10,000-hectare Rubber and Industrial Crops Project across four southern provinces of Laos has delivered tangible outcomes, with a production area of more than 9,276 hectares alongside stable employment for more than 2,500 workers, over 90% of whom are Lao nationals. The project has established an integrated system comprising rubber latex processing plants, a comprehensive rubber services enterprise, schools, health stations, roads, bridges and social infrastructure. In the H1 of 2026, rubber latex output exceeded 5,236 tonnes, while consolidated revenue reached 511.30 billion VND. The entire area complies with EUDR requirements and FSC standards, helping increase the value of agricultural products in international markets.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hai, Deputy General Director of Dak Lak Rubber Investment JSC (DRI), said: “This project represents a model of economic cooperation closely linked to social responsibility and people-to-people diplomacy. Today’s green rubber plantations not only enhance the beauty of Southern Laos’ forests, but also stand as a vivid symbol of the enduring solidarity between Viet Nam and Laos”.

Elevating the value of exported agricultural products

Dak Lak’s economic diplomacy extends beyond rubber plantations, encompassing broader agricultural value chains.

As a key enterprise, Dak Lak September 2 Import-Export Company Limited (Simexco) laid the foundation for its agricultural diplomacy with its first coffee shipment to Germany in 1994. To expand into demanding markets, Simexco has forged partnerships with more than 65,000 farming households, digitised growing areas, applied international standards, and prepared for EUDR compliance as well as carbon emissions reduction. Through international events and by welcoming partners to growing areas, the enterprise has helped bring the story of Dak Lak coffee to the world.

In partnership with Simexco, Miss Ede focuses on deep processing along with brand development. Coffee products featuring brocade patterns and images of Ede women, exported to the United States alongside South Korea, have emerged as “cultural ambassadors”, showcasing Central Highlands identity.

Ocean tuna undergoing closed-loop processing that meets food safety and hygiene standards for export at an enterprise in the South Phu Yen Economic Zone.

Meanwhile, as part of the provincial socio-eco development strategy, fisheries are not only a key economic sector but also an important pillar of economic diplomacy and international integration.

With annual export turnover of approximately 150 million USD, equivalent to 3,750 billion VND, of which ocean tuna accounts for up to 80%, the fisheries sector provides a stable source of foreign exchange earnings, serves as a growth driver for enterprises and improves fishermen’s livelihoods.

To expand into markets such as the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany combined with France, Dak Lak enterprises prioritise the standardisation of production processes, strengthen electronic traceability, ensure transparency, comply with fishing regulations, and implement measures to help lift the IUU “yellow card”, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Vietnamese seafood.

PPC Vice Chairman, comrade Nguyen Thien Van affirmed: “Dak Lak identifies enhancing the fisheries value as a core link in economic diplomacy. The province is pursuing a balanced approach that combines legal fishing with modern aquaculture, while strengthening cooperation among the authorities, enterprises and fishermen to secure livelihoods for local people, strengthen Dak Lak seafood’s position as well as expand its market share in international markets”.

Translated by KHUONG THAO