Dong Thap: Aspiration to reach out to the wider world

(DTO) From a once “remote” land of acid sulfate fields and vast wetlands, Dong Thap has written a proud new chapter in its development history. No longer confined to inland agricultural space, the Land of Pink Lotus is rising strongly, becoming a bright spot in the Mekong Delta.

With impressive results in 2025 and a well-structured roadmap for the new term, Dong Thap is realizing its aspiration to break through, affirming its position as an important gateway connecting the region and reaching out to the wider world in the new opportunities of the Year of the Horse 2026.

MIRACLES FROM ENDOGENOUS STRENGTH AND BOLD DECISIONS

Dong Thap possesses a unique geographical location, serving as an important northern gateway to the Mekong Delta region.

With an area of nearly 6,000  square kilometers and a population of over 4.2 million, the province’s development space is no longer confined to inland fields.

It stretches from the Cambodian border—at the upper reaches of the Tien River—to the strategic connections leading out to the East Sea via a vital waterway system.

The combination of border economy and a sea-oriented mindset has created rare development space for Dong Thap, enabling the province to connect seamlessly from the Southwestern border to the Southern Key Economic Region.

Looking back over 40 years of renovation, Dong Thap has achieved remarkable milestones through sound and bold policy decisions. From the once deeply flooded, acid-affected and abandoned land of Dong Thap Muoi, the province leveraged agriculture as a breakthrough pillar, implemented the Go Cong salinity control project and restructured its agricultural sector, effectively turning “difficulties into advantages.”

The shift from single-crop seasonal rice cultivation to three high-quality rice crops per year was not merely a story of output growth. It represented a revolution in mindset — from “agricultural production” to “agricultural economy.”

Improving land-use efficiency and farmers’ incomes has positioned Dong Thap among the top rice-producing provinces in the Mekong Delta. This achievement has made a significant contribution to national food security and enhanced the value of Vietnamese agricultural products on the global export map.

The year 2025 left unforgettable marks for officials, Party members and the people of the Land of Pink Lotus.

It was a challenging year, as Dong Thap had to simultaneously carry out a “dual mission”: consolidating the administrative apparatus after the merger while promoting economic growth amid complex global fluctuations.

However, with unity and the decisive spirit of “moving forward while reorganizing,” the province achieved important results, laying a solid foundation for the next breakthrough phase.

The restructuring of the organizational apparatus was conducted urgently, scientifically and with strong human-centered considerations. 

The province successfully organized grassroots-level Party Congresses and the First Provincial Party Congress for the 2025–2030 term. This milestone is considered historic, generating new energy for the leadership apparatus under the guiding principle: “The new organizational model must be better and more effective.”

The harmony between Party will and people’s support has been reflected in impressive figures.

In 2025, Dong Thap achieved and exceeded 26 out of 27 targets set by the Provincial Party Executive Committee. Notably, export turnover reached approximately USD 9.21 billion, increasing compared to the previous year; 2,730 new enterprises were established, surpassing the planned target; the poverty rate dropped to 0.71 percent, significantly lower than the national average. Particularly, GRDP growth reached 7.38 percent, ranking second in the Mekong Delta and 23rd nationwide.

A PIVOTAL YEAR FOR GRAND ASPIRATIONS

Entering 2026, marking the beginning of the 2026–2030 five-year plan, Dong Thap does not rest on its past achievements. The province has set ambitious yet confident targets: striving for GRDP growth of 8%–8.5% and establishing approximately 3,000 new enterprises.

Dong Thap has long been a "shining star" on the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) map. Entering this new phase, the province is determined to move beyond rigid "administrative commands." 

The government is fully transitioning toward a service-oriented mindset, taking the satisfaction of citizens and businesses as the ultimate benchmark. Improving the investment environment is no longer just about preferential policies on paper, but about standing side-by-side with investors to resolve bottlenecks.

Continuing its agricultural restructuring, Dong Thap is focusing on the effective implementation of the project: "Sustainable Development of One Million Hectares of High-Quality, Low-Emission Specialized Rice." 

This is more than just a figure; it is Dong Thap’s commitment to responsible agricultural development.

The development of large-scale production zones, integrated with growing area codes and traceability, will serve as the "passport" for Dong Thap to reach even further. 

Key transport projects, inter-regional expressways, and the inland waterway system on the Tien River are being accelerated to dismantle logistics bottlenecks. 

Furthermore, Dong Thap’s vision extends to the digital economy with the development of the "Mekong Software Park" and the transformation of the postal system into a modern logistics infrastructure for e-commerce.

To bridge the Southeast region and the Mekong Delta, Dong Thap has clearly defined its developmental corridors. Specifically, the My Tho - Cao Lanh axis will receive focused investment to become two bustling commercial and service hubs, acting as the "nuclei" that radiate momentum throughout the province. 

Additionally, the province prioritizes the development of the border economic zone and is researching sea reclamation projects and climate-adaptive coastal urban areas, opening new spaces for living and working.

Dong Thap’s breakthrough in 2025 is a testament to the will, aspiration, and profound shift in the mindset of the "Land of the Pink Lotus." 

From a purely agricultural and "remote" locality, Dong Thap is rising to become a dynamic growth pole, a model of harmonious combination between preserving cultural identity and embracing modern technology.

The Year of the Horse 2026 carries the breath of new opportunities. With the solid foundation built in 2025 and a well-structured strategic roadmap, Dong Thap will surely realize its aspiration for a breakthrough—not only for its own prosperity but also as a contribution to the common development of the Mekong Delta and the nation.

By DUONG UT
Translated by X.QUANG