Do Duc Vuong, Secretary of the Dien Bien Phu City Party Committee, highlighted the significance of the victory, saying it was one of the greatest feats of arms of the Vietnamese people and army in the history of fighting against foreign invaders.

He said that upholding the spirit of “determination to fight, determination to win” which characterised the Dien Bien soldiers more than half a century ago, the Party Committee, administration and all ethnic groups in the province have united to overcome numerous difficulties and achieve important successes in socio-economic development.

During the past few years, he said Dien Bien Phu City alone has achieved an annual GDP growth rate of between 12-16 percent, with per capita income increasing significantly from US$100 in 1993 to nearly US$1,400 last year. Currently, its trade, tourism and services make up nearly 60 percent of the city’s economic structure. The city has 10 out of 28 schools meeting national standards and 6 out of 8 communes and wards that meet national medical standards.

In the coming years, the city aims to maintain a steady economic growth rate of between 15-16 percent, with GDP per capita reaching US$1,650, said Mr Vuong.

Also in the morning, the Vietnam Farmers Association (VFA) Central Committee inaugurated a job consultancy centre for farmers in Dien Bien province. The project has a total investment capital of nearly VND14 billion, of which VND9 billion was contributed by the VFA and the remainder by the provincial VFA chapter. The centre aims to provide vocational training and job placement for about 1,000 farmers a year.

In the afternoon, the province announced the completion of the second phase of the Dien Bien Phu Victory Monument Project, including a central square covering more than 2,000 square metres.

VietNamNet/VOV