Resolution of the 14th Party Congress and Resolution of the 1st Lao Cai Provincial Party Congress identify 3 development pillars including institutions, infrastructure and human resources. In which, institutions are considered a breakthrough, playing the role of "paving the way" to unlock development resources.
According to VNA, the reality in Lao Cai shows that policy adjustments in the past time are creating a positive effect on the local socio-economy, especially in the fields of tourism and import and export.
Y Ty commune - the border region of Lao Cai - possesses unique landscapes and ethnic minority cultural identity, but for many years has not developed commensurate with its potential due to institutional barriers.
Previously, according to Decree 34/2014/ND-CP dated April 29, 2014 of the Government on "Regulations on land border areas of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam", foreign visitors who wanted to enter the border area had to apply for a permit, and the processing time was extended to 2-3 days.
This regulation makes many international travel businesses hesitant, and foreign tourists have difficulty accessing destinations such as Y Ty, A Mu Sung. However, Decree 299/2025/ND-CP dated November 17, 2025 of the Government has abolished the regulation on licensing foreigners who have permanently or temporarily resided in Vietnam.
After the new policy was applied, the number of international visitors to Bien May resort in Y Ty commune increased sharply from the beginning of 2026. Mr. Do Manh Thang - the resort investor - said that the number of visitors increased 3-4 times compared to the same period in 2025 thanks to more convenient procedures.
Not only tourism businesses benefit, but many local households also boldly invest in homestays and develop community tourism. Trekking tours, cloud hunting, and local cultural experiences are increasingly attracting international tourists.
According to Mr. Tran Son Binh - Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Decree 299 creates a turning point for tourism in the border area of Lao Cai, contributing to realizing the goal of welcoming more than 2 million international visitors in 2026.
In the field of import and export, institutional reform also creates significant changes. Lao Cai has an advantage in international border gates, being an important goods transit point between Vietnam and China. Data interconnection on the National Public Service Portal between 8 forces at the border gate helps businesses carry out remote procedures, digitizing processes from factories to border gates.
Mr. Vuong Trinh Quoc - Head of the Economic Zone Management Board of Lao Cai province - said that data sharing helps businesses complete procedures early, minimizing customs clearance time.
According to businesses' assessment, faster customs clearance time helps reduce logistics costs and increase the competitiveness of goods, especially fresh agricultural products. After the implementation of the data interconnection system, the volume of goods through Lao Cai Border Gate increased significantly.
Changes in tourism and import and export show that institutional reform is becoming a "lever" for Lao Cai's development. When procedures are simplified, the investment environment is more transparent, social resources are also strongly mobilized, creating a foundation for the locality to gradually become a trade connection center in the northern border area.
