According to provincial statistical data, in February 2026, the province cultivated more than 16,500 hectares of winter crops and focused on land preparation, seedling sowing and on-schedule transplantation of spring rice. Measures to prevent cold weather damage and disease outbreaks in crops and livestock were strictly implemented, with no major epidemics recorded.

In forestry, the province planted 2,517 hectares of new forest, while timber output reached over 151,000 cubic meters during the month, marking a sharp year-on-year increase. Forest management and protection were strengthened, and violations were promptly detected and handled. Aquaculture output in February was estimated at 3,373 tons, up 5.15% compared to the same period last year, adequately meeting consumption demand during the Lunar New Year.

The Provincial People’s Committee directed efforts to remove difficulties for businesses, improve the investment climate and promote production from the beginning of the year, while accelerating the completion of infrastructure in industrial parks and clusters to attract investment. As a result, following the Lunar New Year holiday, enterprises quickly stabilized operations and resumed production. Although the Industrial Production Index (IIP) in February declined compared to the previous month due to the holiday effect, it still rose by 6.22% year-on-year; in the first two months of 2026, the IIP increased by 14.46%.

Notably, the processing and manufacturing sector grew by 15.49%, while electricity production and distribution rose by nearly 39%, significantly contributing to overall growth. Several key products, including metals, fertilizers and construction materials, recorded solid increases. The labor usage index in industrial enterprises rose by 5.7% year-on-year, reflecting production recovery.

State budget investment managed by the locality reached over VND 652 billion in February; the two-month total exceeded VND 1,332 billion, up 3.5% year-on-year, achieving nearly 12% of the annual plan.

The province continued to accelerate strategic infrastructure projects such as the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway line; the upgrade of the Noi Bai - Lao Cai Expressway; the 500kV Vinh Yen - Lao Cai transmission line; and Phase 2 of Sa Pa Airport. At the same time, discipline in public investment disbursement was strengthened, with efforts to remove procedural and site clearance bottlenecks to boost growth from the first quarter.

Market management was enhanced to ensure supply-demand balance and price stability; spring festival tourism activities were well organized; service quality was improved and safety for visitors ensured. Trade and services were vibrant in February, with total retail sales of goods and service revenue reaching VND 5,680 billion, up 14.22% year-on-year. The two-month cumulative growth remained in double digits.

Revenue from accommodation, catering and travel services reached VND 980 billion in February and nearly VND 1,948 billion in the first two months, up more than 12% year-on-year. Tourist arrivals in the first two months totaled nearly one million, an increase of over 21%. Import-export turnover through border gates reached USD 445 million in the first two months, up nearly 10% year-on-year.

Total state budget revenue in February was estimated at VND 1,340 billion; cumulative revenue reached VND 3,100 billion, equal to 17.68% of the central government’s estimate, 13.19% of the provincial estimate and 110% compared to the same period in 2025. Local budget expenditure in February was estimated at VND 3,800 billion, equivalent to 11% of the central estimate, 10% of the provincial estimate and 78% year-on-year.

In February 2026, 159 newly registered enterprises were granted business registration certificates, up 15.3% year-on-year, with total registered capital of VND 1,272 billion. In the first two months, 282 new enterprises and 22 affiliated units were registered, up 25.4%, with total registered capital of VND 2,567 billion. Forty-eight enterprises temporarily suspended operations (up 5.5% year-on-year), 68 enterprises were dissolved (up 19.5%), and 37 enterprises resumed operations (up 3.1%).

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) in February increased by 1.53% compared to the previous month and by 2.90% year-on-year, mainly due to higher consumption demand during the Lunar New Year. However, overall prices remained under control, goods supply was abundant, and no shortages or price spikes occurred.

Social welfare policies and Lunar New Year care programs were implemented effectively; policies supporting tuition fees and healthcare continued to deliver positive results. National defense, security and social order were maintained.

Despite these achievements, the province still faces challenges, including not yet fully sustainable purchasing power, market impacts on certain industrial and agricultural products, slow progress in some projects, and potential risks from disease outbreaks and extreme weather.

In March and the following months of 2026, the Provincial People’s Committee will continue restructuring the agricultural sector in association with science and technology applications, proactively preventing diseases and natural disasters, removing difficulties for industrial production and supporting enterprises in expanding markets, especially in processing and manufacturing industries.

At the same time, the province will accelerate public investment disbursement, intensify site clearance efforts, enhance the responsibility of leaders, promote trade, services and tourism, leverage border-gate advantages, advance digital transformation in management and trade promotion, strictly control prices and markets, ensure social welfare, and maintain national defense and security - gradually realizing sustainable growth targets and successfully fulfilling the 2026 socio-economic development plan.