Dien Bien Phu Ward: Aspiration for Green, Modern Urban Center

Amid the strong development of Dien Bien province, Dien Bien Phu ward, the economic, political and cultural center of the locality, is entering a period of significant transformation with the goal of building a model, modern urban area that remains deeply rooted in historical and cultural identity. Recent achievements, together with the new urban development strategy, are creating strong expectations for a dynamic, smart and livable urban environment.

Green, clean, and modern streetscape of Dien Bien Phu ward

Fast and sustainable growth - Foundation for a core urban center

Dien Bien Phu ward was established under Resolution 1661/NQ-UBTVQH15 through the merger of five wards and one commune of the former Dien Bien Phu City. The ward has strong advantages for developing commerce, services and tourism, particularly with the Dien Bien Phu Battlefield relic system, the Dien Bien Phu Victory Museum, Dien Bien Airport and a series of key projects currently underway.

During the 2020 to 2025 period, despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic fluctuations, the Party Committee, local government and residents of the former wards and communes overcame difficulties and achieved or exceeded many development targets. Commerce, services and tourism recorded strong growth; agriculture and forestry as well as industry and handicrafts maintained steady momentum; and the urban landscape improved rapidly, with many streets and public spaces upgraded.

Land management and site clearance for major projects achieved positive results, creating clean land funds for investment. Cultural and social development continued to advance, and the quality of life for residents improved noticeably. Political security and social order remained stable.

Notably, Party building efforts were comprehensively strengthened across political, ideological, ethical and organizational aspects. Inspections, supervision and anti-corruption measures were implemented decisively and effectively.

According to Nguyen Quang Hung, Secretary of the Party Committee of Dien Bien Phu ward, “These results stem from the direction and support of leaders at all levels, the unity and consensus within the entire Party Committee, and the support of the people. This foundation will enable the ward to achieve new breakthroughs and become a leading economic, commercial, and service center of the province.”

Dien Bien Phu ward’s center is well-lit at night

Aspiration to rise: The Dien Bien Phu spirit in a new era

Entering the 2025 to 2030 period, Dien Bien Phu ward has set a vision to develop a green, civilized and modern urban center that applies digital transformation and leverages its historical, cultural and tourism strengths. Its specific targets include average annual budget growth of 30%; total product value rising more than 30% per year; retail revenue reaching VND30,500 billion by 2030; tourism becoming a key economic sector that attracts more than 4 million visitors during the 2026-2030 period with revenue exceeding VND10 trillion; average income surpassing VND180 million per year by 2030, an increase of 230% compared with 2025; an urbanization rate of 65%; the elimination of poor households; all schools meeting national standards; more than 98% of the population enrolled in health insurance; and the establishment of a digital government, digital economy and digital society forming a smart urban ecosystem. Regarding Party building, more than 90% of grassroots Party organizations are expected to complete their tasks well, with new Party membership increasing by 3 to 4% annually.

These targets are ambitious but clearly reflect the ward’s aspirations, determination and forward-looking mindset as it moves toward building the core urban center of the provincial capital.

Framework for a new stage of development

According to Ha Thanh Tung, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Dien Bien Phu Ward, the ward has identified five key task groups and five breakthrough areas, with priorities including:

(1) Strengthening Party building and developing an efficient political system: promoting political and ideological education; strictly implementing resolutions on Party building aligned with the study and practice of the ideology, ethics and lifestyle of Ho Chi Minh; streamlining the organizational apparatus; and improving the quality of officials.

(2) Maximizing economic, commercial, service and tourism potential: attracting investment in eco resorts, golf courses, night markets and food streets; developing tourism linked with cultural and historical heritage and ethnic identity; and accelerating the construction and completion of major urban development projects.

(3) Promoting sustainable industry, handicrafts and agriculture forestry development: improving quality control for construction works; speeding up site clearance for investment projects; increasing the value of OCOP products; protecting and expanding forests; and implementing the project to plant hoa ban trees, a symbol of Dien Bien, for urban landscaping and tourism.

(4) Developing synchronized infrastructure to create urban space breakthroughs: expanding transportation to connect gateways, the urban center and new urban areas, with a focus on essential infrastructure, digital infrastructure and tourism service infrastructure.

(5) Advancing administrative reform and creating a transparent investment environment: improving governance effectiveness, enhancing services for citizens and businesses, and promoting private sector development as a key driver of growth.

Dien Bien Phu ward is now positioned with all necessary conditions to achieve transformative development and shape a civilized, modern and livable urban area within Dien Bien province.

Its development goals, strategies and aspirations not only signal strong socioeconomic growth prospects but also contribute to building the image of a central urban area with newfound stature, harmonizing the province’s proud historical traditions with a modern and dynamic urban lifestyle.

With unity, determination and a shared aspiration for progress across the political system and the local population, Dien Bien Phu ward is poised to strengthen its role as the growth engine of the province of Dien Bien, becoming a modern, green, civilized and culturally rich urban center.

By Ha Thanh, Vietnam Business Forum