Speaking at a press conference on June 17, Doan Thanh Son, vice chairman of the Lang Son Provincial People's Committee, said the province's economy remains relatively modest despite steady growth.
According to Son, Lang Son has maintained annual gross regional domestic product (GRDP) growth of around 6-7 per cent, while budget revenue exceeded VND 10 billion (approximately USD 385 million) in 2023. However, the province has yet to achieve a significant breakthrough compared with national averages.
He said Lang Son must move beyond traditional development approaches if it is to escape the group of lower-income and slower-growing provinces.
"In the coming period, Lang Son must not only maximise its existing advantages but also fundamentally change its development mindset by making institutional reform the breakthrough, digital transformation the driving force and the border-gate economy the spearhead of growth," Son said.
Nguyen Canh Toan, chairman of the Lang Son Provincial People's Committee, said infrastructure development would be critical to achieving these objectives.
He noted that the province is prioritising investment in transport infrastructure to strengthen connections between the eastern North-South Expressway corridor and the provincial centre.
"In particular, we are accelerating work on the Chi Lang-Huu Nghi Expressway and aim to open the entire route to traffic this year, eliminating transport bottlenecks between Hanoi, Lang Son City and the border-gate area," Toan said.
Provincial leaders identified the border-gate economy as the key growth engine, with strong potential in cross-border trade, logistics and import-export services.
At the same time, tourism has been highlighted as another sector with significant untapped potential.
With its scenic landscapes, historical sites and distinctive cultural heritage, Lang Son is well positioned to develop tourism into a major economic sector if supported by a comprehensive strategy covering infrastructure, tourism products and destination promotion, officials said.
