The Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee recently convened a conference to review the implementation of Politburo Resolution No. 16-NQ/TW dated October 17, 2017, on socio-eco development in mainland border communes linked to strengthening while consolidating national defence, security and external relations.

Dak Lak Province holds a strategically important position in national defence, security and external relations along the Viet Nam - Cambodia border. Following the administrative reorganisation, the province has four mainland border communes, namely Buon Don, Ea Bung, Ia Lop along with Ia Rve, which border Cambodia’s Mondulkiri Province.

Members of the Provincial Party Standing Board chairing the conference.

Over the nine years of implementing Politburo Resolution No. 16, border areas have recorded significant improvements. The province has invested in 26 key works and projects, with total capital of nearly 1.2 trillion VND, focusing on transport infrastructure, irrigation combined with essential facilities. In particular, multi-level boarding schools began operating in the 2026 - 2027 academic year, creating favourable conditions for improving educational quality in border areas. Border defence and security have been maintained, while friendly relations with Mondulkiri Province have continued to be strengthened.

At the conference, delegates reviewed achievements, identified difficulties and shortcomings, alongside proposed measures to promote border-area development in the coming period. Priorities include restructuring agriculture along value chains and promoting sustainable poverty reduction; investing in transport connectivity, digital infrastructure as well as dual-use facilities; completing commune master plans; improving the quality of education and healthcare, enhancing cultural life, together with strengthening grassroots political systems. The province also proposed that the central government continue refining specific mechanisms and policies, while allocating resources for medium-term investment to support the comprehensive development of border communes.

In his concluding remarks, Provincial Party Secretary Luong Nguyen Minh Triet called on all levels, sectors and localities to continue thoroughly implementing the objectives coupled with tasks set out in Resolution No. 16. He stressed that socio-eco development in border areas linked to the consolidation of national defence, security and external relations must be regarded as a strategic, regular along with long-term task of the entire political system.

He called for a decisive shift from short-term assistance towards proactively harnessing local potential and advantages to drive sustainable development. He also emphasised the need to propose specific mechanisms alongside policies, prioritise investment in infrastructure, reduce poverty, protect natural resources and the environment, while safeguarding national defence and security. Efforts should also focus on human resource development, strengthening grassroots political systems combined with improving the quality of education and healthcare, thereby promoting the comprehensive development of border areas.

Translated by KHUONG THAO