In the first 2 months of 2025, Cao Bang province has recorded significant fluctuations in socio-economic fields. Despite positive signals, many manufacturing and service sectors still face challenges due to harsh weather.
On March 15, information from the Cao Bang Provincial Statistics Office said that the situation of agricultural production affected by cold and dry weather has caused difficulties in planting and caring for crops. Corn growing area decreased by 2.99% compared to the same period last year, while sugarcane increased by 27.87% thanks to the expansion of growing area. Vegetables and beans also recorded a slight increase of 2.53%.
In the field of livestock and poultry, livestock and poultry have developed relatively stably. The total pig herd increased by 1.28%, the chicken herd increased by 0.27%, meeting the high demand for fresh meat during the Lunar New Year. However, the herd of buffaloes and cows only increased slightly, mainly because people switched to using machines to replace traction.
The forestry sector recorded a damaged forest area of 3.11 hectares in January, mainly due to forest fires and illegal deforestation. The new forest planting area has decreased sharply by 74.32% due to dry weather, causing people to not be able to replant after exploitation. However, the output of exploited wood increased significantly, reaching 1,716.89 m3, an increase of 104.72% over the same period last year.
The industrial production index in January 2025 increased by 10. 30% over the same period last year, but decreased by 11.29% compared to the previous month due to the impact of the Lunar New Year.
The electricity production and distribution industry increased sharply by 25.11%, thanks to hydropower plants operating at maximum capacity. The mining industry also recorded an increase of 22.23%, mainly due to increased ore mining output. However, the processing and manufacturing industry only increased slightly by 0.40%, reflecting difficulties in product production and consumption.
In February, the industrial production index continued to increase by 22.29% over the same period, but decreased by 3.89% compared to the previous month. The main reason is that some production units have just resumed operations after the Tet holiday, and the labor force is not stable.
State budget investment capital in January reached VND191.74 billion, up 19.95% over the same period last year. However, the progress of project implementation is still slow, mainly due to the impact of weather and holidays.
Trade and service activities in January were bustling thanks to increased consumer demand during the Lunar New Year. Total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue reached VND 1,168.75 billion, up 12.23% over the same period. However, in February, purchasing power decreased sharply, total retail sales only reached VND1,024.47 billion, down 12.55% compared to the previous month.
The consumer price index (CPI) in January increased by 1.22% compared to the previous month, mainly due to high prices of food and medical services. In February, CPI continued to increase by 0.26%, in which food and housing prices were the two groups with significant increases.
Regarding traffic safety, the number of accidents in February decreased by 09 compared to the previous month, with 06 deaths and 04 injuries. This is the result of increased patrols, control and propaganda on traffic safety.
To achieve GDP growth targets of over 8% in 2025, Cao Bang needs to continue to focus on solutions to boost production, attract investment and ensure social security, while effectively responding to weather and market fluctuations.
