Bung Lao: New Growth Driver for the Region

Located on National Highway 279 and soon to have a highway interchange, Bung Lao commune has a prime economic position, creating opportunities to become a regional center for agricultural goods and services. The 2025-2030 term is a pivotal period, signaling a major transformation and setting the stage for breakthrough development.

Bung Lao Commune Party Committee visits a pineapple farming model in Hong Sot village, Bung Lao commune

Agricultural restructuring linked to agri-services

Bung Lao is well-positioned for agricultural production with high-value crops such as coffee, macadamia, fruit trees, rubber, and tea. In the coming period, the commune will focus on restructuring agriculture linked to new rural development and sustainable poverty reduction. Production will prioritize concentrated, safe, and organic goods within value chains. Bung Lao will leverage its transportation advantages to develop storage, processing, and distribution services for agricultural products, serving both local residents and neighboring areas.

“We clearly identify agricultural restructuring linked to new rural development and the establishment of an agribusiness service center as a core task. Bung Lao has the advantage of being a logistics hub, and with a future highway interchange, we must maximize this opportunity to increase agricultural value, create jobs, and boost sustainable incomes for residents,” emphasized Ta Manh Cuong, Secretary of the Party Committee.

By 2030, the commune aims to meet new rural development standards, with 20% of villages achieving model standards. At least five OCOP products will be developed. Coffee cultivation will reach around 2,000 ha, macadamia over 1,100 ha, grain output above 5,800 tons per year, and livestock will remain stable with over 13,000 head and nearly 130,000 poultry.

Local authorities visit rice fields in Bo village

Infrastructure breakthroughs creating new development space

Alongside agriculture, the commune prioritizes infrastructure as a strategic breakthrough. By 2030, all commune roads and more than 90% of inter-village roads will be paved. Investments will include clean water systems, lighting, security cameras, and digital infrastructure. The central area is planned as an interregional urban hub along National Highway 279, connecting regional socio-economic development and promoting commerce, services, tourism, and supporting industries.

Bung Lao is positioned to become a strategic logistics hub, linking agricultural and forestry production areas to markets within and beyond the province. When the highway interchange is completed, the commune will have additional incentives to attract investment in logistics, warehousing, processing, and trade services.

“This is the key for rapid, sustainable development, harmonizing modern agriculture with commerce and services,” Ta Manh Cuong affirmed.

Today, Bung Lao carries a bold ambition: from a traditional agricultural commune, it aims to gradually become a modern interregional logistics hub, leveraging its economic-geographic advantages while improving residents’ livelihoods. The 2025-2030 Commune Party Congress is not only a milestone in its development journey but also a political commitment to establish Bung Lao as a logistics and interregional urban center, attracting new opportunities.

With strong Party leadership, the unity of residents, and engagement from the entire political system, Bung Lao is ready to turn potential into advantage and ambition into reality. While challenges remain, the commune’s determination and resilience will drive it forward, contributing significantly to the development of Dien Bien province and the nation.

By Le Nam, Vietnam Business Forum