To obtain the achievements, Gia Lai has gradually tapped its potential, mobilised all resources and developed the aggregate strength of all ethnic groups in the province. To date, Gia Lai has established large-sized extensive farming areas for coffee, rubber, pepper and cashew nuts. The living conditions of local people have improved significantly, with annual income per capita reaching more than VND4.5 million.

A number of large projects have been built in the province, such as Se San 3, Se San 3A and H’Chan hydro-electric power plants, Chu Se cotton plant and Krong Pa cassava flour processing plant. Concentrated industrial complexes have mushroomed in the province’s key economic areas, such as Tra Da, Bien Ho and Nam Ham Rong industrial parks and An Khe, AyunPa and Chu Se industrial complexes. These projects helped push up the urbanisation and industrialisation process in Gia Lai.

In addition, its total social investment capital increased year-on-year, from VND1,800 billion in 2003 to VND3,000 billion in 2004 and more than VND3,300 billion in 2005, mostly focusing on key economic areas. Thanks to enhanced investment promotion activities in 2004-05, the total number of investment projects and capital equaled the combined figure of the six previous years.

To date, the province has fulfilled or surpassed seven out of the 10 targets set at the 12^th provincial Party Committee congress. For the first time, its budget revenue in 2005 surpassed the VND600-billion mark. In 2006, Gia Lai expects to increase average income per capita to VND6 million.   

In addition to economic development, Gia Lai has paid great attention to ensuring social progress and equality. The province has mobilised the whole society’s strength for a poverty reduction programme and obtained significant achievements. The number of poor households has dropped sharply from 35 percent in 1995 to 12.4 percent in 2004.

Gia Lai has poured a great deal of investment into developing arts activities, press, radio and television, as well as preserving traditional cultural identities. So far, 151 communal post offices and 115 communal cultural houses have been built and 1,011 art and Cong Chieng (Gong) troupes have been set up. Roads, the national electricity grid and telephone access cover 100 percent of the communes, and 67 percent of the province’s population have access to safe water. Other activities such as paying gratitude, child care and protection and education, and family planning have been implemented effectively.

Gia Lai’s socio-economy has changed comprehensively and positively since the province was liberated 30 years ago, creating a new position and strength for its next development period.