On the occasion of the New Year, Lao Dong Newspaper reporter had an interview with Mr. Tran Hong Thai - Chairman of Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee about the socio-economic development situation of the locality in the coming time.
Reporter: Could you please tell us about the progress of the two expressway sections Tan Phu - Bao Loc and Bao Loc - Lien Khuong of the Dau Giay - Lien Khuong route? How do you evaluate the significance of the last two "puzzle pieces" for this important expressway?
Mr. Tran Hong Thai: The two expressway sections of Tan Phu - Bao Loc and Bao Loc - Lien Khuong are expected to be approved in January 2025 and start construction on April 30, 2025 and be completed in 2027. Lam Dong is implementing them with the highest determination.
First of all, these two expressway sections will pave the way for the development of southern districts that have difficulties in transport infrastructure. When the expressway is completed, the travel time from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat will be shortened to 3-4 hours, creating a driving force for socio-economic development in Lam Dong.
The Dau Giay - Lien Khuong Expressway is an opportunity for Lam Dong to affirm its position and become a strategic trade gateway in the Central Highlands. The route promises to attract investment, develop industrial parks, logistics centers and high-end resorts.
When completed, the highway will not only boost the economy but also create a rich cultural foundation and a stable security environment, contributing to the sustainable development of the Central Highlands and the whole country.
Reporter: Lam Dong has just held a special event to welcome its 10 millionth tourist. So in the coming time, what plans does the province have to improve tourism, especially attracting high-end tourists?
Mr. Tran Hong Thai: Da Lat is a city blessed with a cool climate all year round, the tourist heart of the Central Highlands and the whole country.
In addition to attracting more than 10 million visitors per year, Da Lat is also notable for three UNESCO-recognized heritages: the Central Highlands Gong Cultural Space, the Nguyen Dynasty Woodblocks Documentary Heritage, and the title of Global Creative City in the field of music.
To promote these values, the province is aiming to develop sustainable tourism based on five pillars: Tourism, agriculture, education, culture and music.
Regarding infrastructure, the province calls for investment in high-end resorts, high-class entertainment and art spaces, and at the same time promotes traffic connections via highways.
Da Lat Flower Festival with the theme "Da Lat Flowers - Symphony of Colors" will be a breakthrough in elevating Lam Dong's tourism brand.
Reporter: In addition to tourism, Lam Dong is also famous for its strengths in exporting flowers, coffee and tea. So what strategies does the province have to promote trade connections, bring agricultural products further and optimize economic efficiency on each unit of area?
Mr. Tran Hong Thai: Besides tourism, high-tech agriculture is always the pride of Lam Dong. With special climate and soil, products such as flowers, vegetables, tea and coffee of the province are of superior quality, favored by domestic and foreign markets.
Export potential is still great, especially when the highways are completed, Da Lat agricultural products can reach Tan Son Nhat airport and Cat Lai port within the day, optimizing costs and transportation time.
To develop agricultural products, Lam Dong province has implemented many solutions such as building an agricultural logistics center in Duc Trong, integrating preservation, packaging and distribution according to international standards.
The province is building and promoting the brand "Da Lat - Miraculous crystallization from the good land" through trade promotion and connecting with international partners in the EU, Japan and Korea...
Reporter: Sir, besides the strengths in tourism, agriculture, etc., what are Lam Dong's future orientations?
Mr. Tran Hong Thai: Lam Dong determines to develop science and technology comprehensively, focusing on research, application, and technology transfer to serve production and life.
In the coming time, the province will effectively implement Resolution 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on science, technology development, innovation and digital transformation.
Lam Dong aims to build modern technology infrastructure, mastering strategic technologies such as AI, IoT, big data, cloud computing, blockchain, quantum technology, nano, 5G network...
The province aims to complete a smart city in Da Lat. Attract large global technology enterprises to invest, research and produce locally.
Lam Dong will focus on promoting digital transformation, applying advanced technology to socio-economic management, improving production and business efficiency, and serving people and businesses well.
Regarding social security, the province calls for investment in building high-quality hospitals, international bilingual schools, and caring for disadvantaged groups and children through many resources.
These efforts affirm the province's determination to build a civilized, equitable and sustainable society, while making Lam Dong a bright spot in science, technology and sustainable development.
Thank you!
