The meeting was attended by leaders of relevant departments and sectors, as well as representatives of professional divisions and affiliated units of the department.

The department currently consists of four specialised divisions and one subordinate public service unit. Since the beginning of the year, it has actively and proactively coordinated closely with departments, sectors, and localities to implement comprehensive solutions to remove difficulties and support businesses in developing production and business activities; to ensure the supply of essential materials, raw materials, and goods; and to promote external economic activities, trade promotion, and supply-demand connection. It has effectively implemented tasks related to combating smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods.

In the first 10 months of 2025, the industrial production index increased by 5.2%. Total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue were estimated at 34.3 trillion VND (1.3 billion USD), up 14.72% year-on-year; and the value of exported goods reached an estimated 172.16 million USD, up 11.69%. The proportion of households with access to electricity hit 99.5%. Industrial and commercial development, focusing on electricity and processing industries, continued to be strengthened, with 42 industrial processing plants and 60 hydropower plants with a total capacity of 3,790 MW in operation.

At the working session, leaders of the department raised several difficulties and obstacles, such as the lack of specific mechanisms and policies to support and attract enterprises to invest in technical infrastructure for industrial clusters. Some industrial clusters have been established but lack infrastructure operators to manage operations and support businesses. The handover of market infrastructure assets to commune-level authorities faces challenges due to insufficient staffing.

Speaking at the meeting, Cong requested the Department of Industry and Trade to leverage its advantages, promote industrial and commercial development, and continue to serve as a key pillar for Son La’s economic growth. He urged the department to review and adjust sectoral planning; enhance investment attraction in industrial clusters, manufacturing and processing industries; and encourage investors to develop renewable and clean energy. 

He also emphasised developing commercial and service systems; establishing a clear roadmap for disbursement of ongoing projects to ensure 100% completion of public investment disbursement targets; closely monitoring market price movements; maintaining price stability during the year-end and Lunar New Year periods; and strengthening market inspections to combat smuggling, trade fraud, counterfeit goods, and substandard products.