Lam Dong Provincial Chairman Tran Hong Thai: Leading by vision, delivering with impact

12/07/2025

TN&MTAccording to Resolution No. 202/2025/QH15 on the reorganization of provincial-level administrative units, the new Lam Dong Province has been established by merging the entire administrative boundaries of the former Lam Dong, Dak Nong, and Binh Thuan provinces. Following this restructuring, Prof. Dr. Tran Hong Thai was elected Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People’s Council. This appointment marks a significant milestone in his political career and reflects the trust placed in him by the Party, State, and people—as a leader with integrity, competence, and strategic vision for the new development phase of the province. That trust is grounded in tangible achievements and a dynamic shift in governance, clearly demonstrated during his tenure as Chairman of the Lam Dong People’s Committee from August 2024 to June 30, 2025.

Lam Dong Provincial Chairman Tran Hong Thai: Leading by vision, delivering with impact

From the early days of assuming office in August 2024, Prof. Dr. Tran Hong Thai swiftly grasped the provincial context and led with a strategic vision, innovative thinking, and a pragmatic, approachable working style. His leadership focused not only on economic development and administrative reform but also on accelerating digital transformation, promoting science and technology, enhancing OCOP products tied to local strengths, building integrated infrastructure, supporting youth innovation, ensuring social welfare, and honoring those who have served the nation.

Economic growth and effective public investment

Immediately after taking office, Chairman Tran Hong Thai launched a series of bold measures to boost economic performance. In the first quarter of 2025, Lam Dong’s economy showed strong progress: budget revenue reached VND 4,324 billion (up 4.9% year-on-year); GRDP rose by an estimated 4.68%, 3% higher than in Q1/2024; retail sales reached VND 24.28 trillion; and tourist arrivals hit 2.62 million, up 10.1%.

Under his close direction, the provincial administration accelerated the use of technology in budget management and established task forces to monitor revenue and expenditure quarterly, ensuring fiscal sustainability and risk mitigation. Thanks to real-time data updates, fiscal policies were promptly adjusted to support small and medium enterprises, while expanding fiscal space for public investment and social programs.

Lam Dong Provincial Chairman Tran Hong Thai: Leading by vision, delivering with impact

Acting Secretary of the Lam Dong Provincial Party Committee Mr. Nguyen Thai Hoc presents a congratulatory bouquet to newly appointed Chairman of the Lam Dong People’s Committee, Mr. Tran Hong Thai, and newly elected Chairwoman of the Lam Dong People’s Council, Ms. Pham Thi Phuc (August 2024)

Investment promotion also saw breakthroughs: three non-budget projects were approved, totaling VND 1,308.5 billion in registered capital, including one FDI project worth USD 20 million. Notably, 292 new enterprises were established and 160 resumed operations, contributing to local livelihoods and growth. Cross-sectoral task forces under the Chairman’s leadership helped resolve bottlenecks in procedures and land clearance, streamlining a “one-stop” mechanism to expedite project approvals and implementation.

Meanwhile, public investment disbursement continued to accelerate. As of April 7, 2025, the disbursement rate for the new fiscal year had reached approximately 7.6%, with VND 1,337 billion in additional capital proposed for ten key projects. Priority areas included rural transport, irrigation, urban environmental improvement, and disaster risk reduction. Technology applications in bidding and construction monitoring have enhanced transparency, reduced irregularities, and built community trust.

Strategic infrastructure and bold execution

Recognizing infrastructure connectivity as a cornerstone of economic development, Prof. Dr. Tran Hong Thai has pushed forward major strategic infrastructure projects. Among the most prominent is the Bao Loc–Lien Khuong Expressway, a 73.62-kilometer route with a total investment of nearly VND 18 trillion under a public–private partnership (PPP) model. The first-phase construction features four lanes and a maximum design speed of 80–100 km/h. Once completed, the expressway is expected to shorten travel time from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Lat to just three hours, significantly enhancing the province’s competitiveness in tourism, high-tech agriculture, and related services.

Lam Dong Provincial Chairman Tran Hong Thai: Leading by vision, delivering with impact

Chairman of the Lam Dong People’s Committee, Mr. Tran Hong Thai, inspects planning proposals and infrastructure projects following the merger of three southern districts into Da Huoai District

In addition to the expressway, Lam Dong has also focused on upgrading the urban transport system in Da Lat—the province’s main tourism hub. Projects to expand intersections, repair roads, install signage, improve sidewalks, and enhance lighting have been accelerated, especially during peak tourism seasons. Chairman Tran Hong Thai has frequently visited construction sites, personally inspecting progress, directing land clearance efforts, relocating infrastructure, and coordinating with localities to ensure uninterrupted implementation. Urban greening policies, traffic decongestion, and improved tourist experiences have been translated into practical initiatives with measurable impacts.

Alongside major infrastructure works, dozens of anti-landslide and stream rehabilitation projects have been implemented in geologically sensitive areas such as Cam Ly and Van Kiep, contributing to environmental protection, disaster risk reduction, and public safety. The province has also proposed a phased allocation of central government funds to sustain these critical projects amid limited local budget resources.

Lam Dong Provincial Chairman Tran Hong Thai: Leading by vision, delivering with impact

Chairman of the Lam Dong People’s Committee, Mr. Tran Hong Thai, visits Da Teh Lake, the proposed site for an eco‑tourism urban development plan

Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Tran Hong Thai has instructed Da Lat City to study the development of peripheral parking zones and promote green transport, aiming to reduce traffic pressure in central urban areas. These initiatives not only drive socioeconomic development but also help reshape Lam Dong as a leading province for green tourism, sustainable economy, and effective regional integration.

Tourism and healthcare: Foundations of a new economic identity

One of the most defining achievements of Prof. Dr. Tran Hong Thai’s tenure has been laying the groundwork for an integrated tourism–healthcare–biotechnology development strategy. Under his direct leadership, Da Lat is not only maintaining its status as a national resort city but is also emerging as a premier destination for high-tech wellness and healthcare tourism.

Lam Dong Provincial Chairman Tran Hong Thai: Leading by vision, delivering with impact

Chairman of the Lam Dong People’s Committee Tran Hong Thai inspects administrative-service equipment designed to facilitate citizens' access to public services

Capitalizing on the province’s cool climate, rich medicinal resources, and strategic location, he has led the planning of a world-class medical and wellness complex—comprising hospitals, therapy centers, biomedical hotels, and rehabilitation services.

In June 2025, Prof. Dr. Tran Hong Thai chaired the Vietnam–Cuba Biomedical Technology Cooperation Workshop, attracting more than 200 leading domestic and international experts. The event laid the foundation for positioning Lam Dong as a national hub of biomedical innovation.

At the workshop, he emphasized: “Biomedicine is not just a scientific field; it is a new socio-economic pillar of Lam Dong,” and actively promoted strategic partnerships with Cuban biotech corporations—ranging from vaccine research and natural cosmetics to the application of biotechnology in clean agriculture. His resolute leadership has translated into concrete action plans, repositioning Lam Dong not only on the tourism map but also as a high-tech biomedical center—where health, technology, and tourism converge in a sustainable and breakthrough development strategy.

Empowering youth and advancing OCOP

Recognizing youth as a driving force behind provincial development, in March 2025, Prof. Dr. Tran Hong Thai hosted a province-wide youth dialogue to listen to their concerns, offer guidance, and propose concrete measures. He directed the establishment of a startup support fund, launched digital skills training, and promoted youth–enterprise connections to unlock opportunities for the younger generation. Through these initiatives, he encouraged young people to become active learners and pioneers in the digital transformation and innovation landscape.

Lam Dong Provincial Chairman Tran Hong Thai: Leading by vision, delivering with impact

Chairman of the Lam Dong People’s Committee Tran Hong Thai reviews the progress of repairs and upgrades to 10 traffic intersections in Da Lat City

At the provincial youth dialogue, his modern, inclusive, and engaging leadership style was on full display. He posed open-ended questions about the role of youth in the digital era and asserted: “Young people must be the vanguard.” Responses from rural youth unions to students in major cities were addressed directly by him and relevant departments. He placed particular emphasis on supporting digital transformation in ethnic minority communities to foster sustainable development across the region.

Simultaneously, he gave special attention to developing OCOP (One Commune One Product) initiatives, which he viewed as a vital pathway for scaling up small producers and building a green, culturally rooted regional economy. By mid-2025, the province had certified 583 OCOP products, including two 5-star national-level items and 87 4-star products. In 2024 alone, Lam Dong evaluated and ranked over 40 new products, many of which achieved 4-star ratings and are aiming for 5-star national recognition.

Lam Dong Provincial Chairman Tran Hong Thai: Leading by vision, delivering with impact

Chairman of the Lam Dong People’s Committee Tran Hong Thai and delegates witness the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between the Green Economy Institute and Cuban partners (LabioFAM, CIGB, CNIC)

The province’s goal for 2025 is to certify at least 250 high-quality OCOP products. Chairman Tran Hong Thai regularly visited OCOP markets, notably in Bao Loc and the June 2025 OCOP space, which featured more than 60 exhibitors from the three merged provinces. He personally met with farmers and OCOP producers to provide guidance on packaging design, value-added processing, and traceability enhancement—practical steps toward building a sustainable, market-ready agricultural sector.

Digital transformation and comprehensive social welfare

As Head of the Provincial Steering Committee on Administrative Reform, Digital Transformation, and Project 06, Chairman Tran Hong Thai has made a clear and measurable impact. In 2024, Lam Dong merged several districts and communes, reduced 38 public service units, and launched 16 intelligent operation centers (IOCs) across provincial and district levels. The proportion of administrative tasks handled online reached 98%, cutting processing time for ten major public services. Administrative case resolution rates hit 97.38% at the provincial level, 98.63% at the district level, and 99.74% at the commune level.

Lam Dong Provincial Chairman Tran Hong Thai: Leading by vision, delivering with impact

Chairman of the Lam Dong People’s Committee Tran Hong Thai at the Vietnam‑Cuba Biomedical Technology Cooperation Workshop (June 2025)

Lam Dong has now connected with 22 national databases, recorded nearly 7.4 million transactions, digitized 96.1% of civil registry data, and completed 100% land digitization at the district level. Over 64% of labor data has been integrated into the national population database. Notably, Lam Dong ranked 13th out of 58 provinces and cities in the E-commerce Development Index, leading the Central Highlands region.

Upholding the principle that “citizen satisfaction is the ultimate measure of governance,” Chairman Tran Hong Thai emphasized digitalization at all administrative levels, expanding e-signature and online payment systems, and strengthening public service ethics. He also restructured the advisory teams into a streamlined, results-oriented unit—ensuring lean, efficient, and accountable governance.

Lam Dong Provincial Chairman Tran Hong Thai: Leading by vision, delivering with impact

Chairman of the Lam Dong People’s Committee Tran Hong Thai at a dialogue with youth (March 2025)

Chairman Tran Hong Thai placed special emphasis on social welfare. On national holidays and major political events, he personally visited and offered gifts to Heroic Vietnamese Mothers, war veterans, and revolutionary elders—demonstrating deep gratitude and reaffirming the enduring principle of “remembering those who came before us.”

He also showed sincere concern for laborers—the unsung heroes of urban life—from sanitation workers working through Lunar New Year’s Eve to technical staff at major factories. For him, caring for workers was not just a policy, but a moral duty. As such, he committed to advancing modern waste treatment infrastructure in Bao Loc and encouraged businesses to improve employee welfare.

Leading with determination, governing with accountability

With a solid academic foundation, leadership experience, and people-centered approach, Prof. Dr. Tran Hong Thai has led Lam Dong through a period of visible transformation—instilling a spirit of innovation, unity, and ambition across the province. In many meetings, he consistently stressed: “No shirking responsibility, no passing the buck,” urging departments and localities to shift from a mindset of bureaucratic control to one of service to citizens and businesses.

Lam Dong Provincial Chairman Tran Hong Thai: Leading by vision, delivering with impact

Chairman of the Lam Dong People’s Committee Tran Hong Thai and delegates attend the opening ceremony of the planning and OCOP product exhibition space, commemorating the establishment of the newly restructured Lam Dong Province

He strongly advocated for streamlined staffing and institutional reform, tied directly to improved performance and public service ethics. For those hesitant to take responsibility, he pledged to protect officials who dared to think and act for the public good. He did not rely solely on reports—he went to the field, inspected projects in person, and demanded thorough reviews of public investment files, infrastructure bottlenecks, and land clearance issues. Every directive came with clear roadmaps and deadlines—for example: “By Q2, revenue collection must meet 50% of the annual target; public investment disbursement must exceed 60% of the plan.”

Prof. Dr. Tran Hong Thai is not only a dynamic and reform-minded Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee—he embodies a new generation of local leadership: bold yet flexible, principled yet open to dialogue, and deeply people-oriented with a far-reaching vision. Lam Dong is transforming day by day—and at the heart of this transformation lies the enduring imprint of a dedicated, forward-thinking provincial leader.

Lam Dong Provincial Chairman Tran Hong Thai: Leading by vision, delivering with impact

Chairman of the Lam Dong People’s Committee Tran Hong Thai and delegates visit a booth showcasing cordyceps products at the agricultural market fair

According to Resolution No. 202/2025/QH15 of the National Assembly on the reorganization of provincial-level administrative units, the newly formed Lam Dong Province now encompasses the full territory and population of the former Lam Dong, Dak Nong, and Binh Thuan provinces—becoming the largest province in Vietnam by area. Prof. Dr. Tran Hong Thai was entrusted with the position of Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People’s Council. In this new role, he is expected to continue leveraging his intellect, leadership, and experience to guide Lam Dong toward a new phase of breakthrough, comprehensive, balanced, and sustainable development.

Ngoc Huyen - Tu Quyen

Send Comment

code

Post Related

News

Vietnam and Argentina move toward a comprehensive strategic partnership in agriculture

IWEDI and the Agriculture & Environment Magazine aim for long-term strategic cooperation

Strategic partnership drives bioenergy development: A new path for green and circular agriculture in Vietnam

Advancing strategic agricultural cooperation: Vietnam expands ties with the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia

Environment

Joining forces for a greener future: Vietnam launches nationwide anti-plastic pollution campaign 2025

Strengthening Japan-Vietnam cooperation in landslide and flash flood management: Toward a model of disaster risk reduction

Promoting science and technology applications in flood risk management in Vietnam

Thai Binh plants 1,500 mangrove apple trees at Thai Thuy wetland nature reserve

Research

Scientific-technological research significantly contributes to the advancement of resource and environmental management

Promoting Green Innovation in Vietnam

The feasibility and willingness of manufacturers and importers in Vietnam to participate in the Extended Producer Responsibility program

An overview of research on flood monitoring & warning systems: Global vs Vietnam

Video

Bản tin Net Zezo số 2 của Tạp chí Tài nguyên và Môi trường

Lam Dong

Lam Vien square: The stunning symbol of Dalat, the city of a thousand flowers

Lam Dong green highlands forum: Pathways to sustainable transformation and investment opportunities

Discover the majestic beauty of Langbiang mountain in Da Lat, Vietnam

Discovering the beauty of Datanla waterfall in Dalat

World

El Niño worsens Panama Canal crisis: Traffic jammed by low water levels

From toilet to tap: US's bold step towards water security

China's single-use plastic ban initiative gains traction

Earth Day 2024: Planet vs. Plastics