During his working visit to the province from January 20-21, President Luong noted that the province has great potential in mineral resources, especially precious metal for exploitation. He asked the province to pay due attention to developments in mountainous and remote areas. Local authorities should focus on encouraging farm production to generate income for farmers in communes and districts.

Over the past five years, Lao Cai has gained an average economic growth rate of 11.9 percent per year, a five-fold increase compared to the previous five-year period. Budget collections in 2005 quadrupled compared to the year 2000. This is a favourable foundation for the province to successfully implement the resolution adopted at the recent 8^th Congress of the provincial Party Committee.