According to Ha Nhu Hue, Director of the provincial Department of Industry and Trade, during the year, the sector proactively reviewed and advised on adjustments to the scheme for implementing the provincial Master Plan for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision to 2050, within its assigned fields. It also focused on revising sector-specific plans and contributing to regional planning adjustments. A comprehensive review of agro-processing facilities and raw material areas was conducted, while the department advised the provincial People’s Committee and coordinated with relevant agencies to remove “bottlenecks” in mechanisms and administrative procedures, enabling investment projects to come into operation.

In 2025, the province attracted two processing investment projects: the Son La Cascara Instant Coffee Factory and the Dream Plastic Mai Son Factory, and commenced construction of three key projects. Of these, two projects - the BHL Son La Modified Starch Processing Plant and the VFI Son La Food Processing Plant - were inaugurated and put into operation, with total investment capital exceeding 918 billion VND (35.13 million USD).

Industrial cluster infrastructure development continued to receive attention, with a plan to develop 25 industrial clusters integrated into the provincial Master Plan for 2021–2030. Among them, the Moc Chau Industrial Cluster attracted projects with an occupancy rate of 93.4%, while the Gia Phu Industrial Cluster continued to complete its infrastructure, improving investment attractiveness with an occupancy rate of 15.74%. At the same time, efforts were made to call for infrastructure investors in high-potential areas such as Quynh Nhai and Thuan Chau industrial clusters.

Industrial production recorded solid growth in 2025, with total value added for the sector increasing by 11.93% year-on-year, ranking 12th among 34 provinces and cities nationwide. The industrial production index maintained stable growth at 11.9%, including a 13% surge in electricity, gas, and energy production and distribution; a 9.1% increase in mining; a 6.7% rise in manufacturing and processing; and a 6.6% hike in water supply and waste and wastewater management.

Khuong The Anh, Director of Son La Hydropower Company, said that last year the company optimised operating processes, ensured absolute safety, and efficiently utilised water resources to achieve maximum output. Total electricity generation reached 14.5 billion kWh, equivalent to 112% of the target assigned by the parent group, contributing to national energy security, directly increasing budget revenues, and creating momentum for local economic growth.

Trade promotion for agricultural products was further intensified. The Department of Industry and Trade gave advice on the issuance of export and e-commerce plans for the 2025–2030 period; strengthened regional linkages and cooperation in investment, trade, and tourism with Thanh Hoa province to promote sustainable consumption; and coordinated the successful organisation of the 2025 Northwest – Son La Agricultural Products and OCOP Trade Promotion Fair. It also participated in major trade promotion events such as Vietnam Expo and the First Autumn Fair, along with 55 trade connectivity events nationwide.

At the same time, the department coordinated with border provinces and relevant agencies to update information on import markets and customs clearance, supporting businesses in proactive production. Cooperation with the Republic of Korea and Russia was also enhanced. Promotion activities were stepped up through the publication of Vietnamese–English–Chinese materials and specialised market bulletins for four key products namely longan, mango, coffee, and tea, helping strengthen the Son La agricultural brand in the market.

A notable highlight in e-commerce was the coordination with the Vietnam E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency to conduct the 2025 e-commerce survey, and the organisation of four training workshops to enhance e-commerce application skills for more than 200 representatives from production and business establishments, cooperatives, household businesses, and families in Muoi Noi and Muong La communes, and To Hieu and Chieng An wards. The department also coordinated with Vietnam Post Corporation and Son La Post Office to successfully organise livestream “OCOP market” sessions to promote and sell plum, mango, and other agricultural products.

Trade and service activities recorded strong growth. Total retail sales of goods exceeded 41.13 trillion VND, up 14.15% compared to 2024. Export activities saw a breakthrough thanks to effective supply-demand linkage and agricultural product consumption support. Agricultural products were fully purchased and consumed at reasonable prices, helping stabilise people’s livelihoods. Total export turnover in 2025 reached 225.3 million USD, up 13.55% year-on-year, of which agricultural and food products accounted for an estimated 218.4 million USD, an increase of 14.69% from 2024.

Market management was carried out regularly and continuously. Decisive enforcement was reflected in concrete results. During the peak month alone, post-inspection work detected and handled 13 complex cases. The Market Management Sub-department inspected 209 cases and strictly handled 158 violations, collecting more than 926 million VND for the state budget. In 2025 as a whole, market management forces inspected 786 cases, handled 694 violations, and collected over 4.2 billion VND for the state budget, including nearly 4 billion VND in fines. The value of confiscated and destroyed goods exceeded 1.6 billion VND, making an important contribution to preventing smuggling and counterfeit goods in the province.

Building on these achievements, in 2026, the industry and trade sector aims to reach total retail sales of 43.5 trillion VND, up 10%; increase the overall industrial production index by 2.5%; and achieve export turnover of 240 million USD, up nearly 11.6% compared to 2025. The sector will continue to accelerate deep agro-processing projects and complete industrial cluster infrastructure to attract investment; promote trade and fully leverage e-commerce advantages for market connectivity; tighten market management; and push administrative reform in association with building a digital government to provide maximum support for businesses.