At present, Lao Cai is focusing on preparing the best conditions for the province's merger. Lao Cai has closely followed the resolutions, conclusions and circulars of the Central Government, ensuring progress and quality. The goal is to build a streamlined and efficient apparatus, creating room for socio-economic development and strengthening national security and defense.

As of February 28, 2025, Lao Cai has completed the arrangement and consolidation of 6 departments and equivalent agencies, including: Department of Home Affairs, Department of Finance, Department of Construction, Department of Agriculture and Environment, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religions. At the same time, the Propaganda Department and the Provincial Party Committee's Mass Mobilization Department were merged. The provincial level reduced 5 departments, 5 department directors and many heads of specialized departments, ensuring smooth operations.

Regarding personnel, 111 officials have voluntarily applied for early retirement, including 4 Department Directors and 2 Department Deputy Directors. To date, 71 cases have been approved, including 38 from the Party and 33 from the state. This move not only streamlines the apparatus but also paves the way for the next generation of young officials, ensuring continuity in work.

With its strategic location as a bridge between Vietnam, ASEAN and Southwest China, along with diverse transportation advantages and abundant resources, the province aims to create a new growth pole for the region. The urban infrastructure of Lao Cai city is planned to be modern with a 58m wide main road and spacious administrative blocks.

Regarding social housing, 84 hectares have been planned in 22 locations, meeting the needs of residents when merging. The Van Hoa Social Housing Project (760 apartments, with a scale of nearly 1,900 people) is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, along with 5 other projects with an area of ​​14.2 hectares.

Regarding healthcare, the high-tech building of Lao Cai General Hospital has just been inaugurated with 330 beds, bringing the total scale to 1,000 beds, leading the region. This project with a total investment of more than 380 billion VND meets the requirements of high-tech healthcare in the context of integration.

In addition, Lao Cai province continues to promote investment attraction to create a solid foundation for the province's merger process according to the Central Government's policy. With the goal of building a new effective and efficient administrative unit, Lao Cai not only focuses on streamlining the apparatus but also focuses on exploiting economic potential, turning the merger challenge into an opportunity for sustainable development.

Mr. Vu Lan, Deputy Director of the Department of Finance of Lao Cai province, said: Attracting investment not only supports the merger process but also lays the foundation for long-term development, realizing the goal of developing Lao Cai province into a growth pole and a center for economic trade connection between Vietnam and ASEAN countries with the Southwest region of China.

Accordingly, Lao Cai province is determined to reform administrative procedures, improve the investment and business environment, support and create maximum convenience for businesses to exploit the potential and strengths of the province.

To increase its attractiveness to investors, Lao Cai has focused on strongly improving its infrastructure index (transportation infrastructure, industrial parks, electricity and urban areas), including the expanded phase of the Noi Bai - Lao Cai Expressway, the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong standard gauge railway project, Sa Pa Airport... These are important projects that help strengthen the capacity to connect Lao Cai with major economic centers, seaports and airports, helping to improve production capacity, facilitating trade, tourism and services.

In addition, the province is accelerating investment in infrastructure of Vo Lao Industrial Park (Van Ban district), Thong Nhat 1 industrial cluster, speeding up the progress of other infrastructure such as Ban Vuoc Bridge, Kim Thanh - Ngoi Phat road, increasing investment in power supply, water supply, environmental treatment systems in industrial parks; speeding up the progress of investment in construction of new urban areas of Lao Cai city, Sa Pa, Bac Ha...

With the above policies and solutions, in recent years, Lao Cai province has been the destination of many economic groups and large strategic investors such as Sun Group, T&T Group, Geleximco, Bitexco, TNG, Phu Hung Import-Export Production Joint Stock Company, KOSY Joint Stock Company...

With careful preparation in infrastructure, human resources and policies, Lao Cai has all conditions ready for the new province after the merger to operate effectively. This is not only a strategic step but also a strong affirmation of the province's position on the economic map of Vietnam. The consensus of the people and the determination of the provincial leaders are the key to realizing this goal, contributing to the country's comprehensive innovation.