Also present were Mr. Tran Đưc Thang, Member of the Politburo, Minister of Agriculture and Environment; Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh, Member of the Party Central Committee and Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly; Mr. Tran Hong Ha, Deputy Prime Minister, along with leaders of central ministries and agencies.

On the side of Lao Cai province, attendees included Mr. Trinh Viet Hung, Member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People’s Council, as well as members of the Provincial Standing Committee, leaders of the People’s Council, People’s Committee, the Provincial National Assembly Delegation, and representatives from departments, agencies and mass organizations.

President Luong Cuong attends the launching ceremony of the “Tet Tree Planting Festival in Eternal Gratitude to President Ho Chi Minh” in Cam Duong ward, Lao Cai province

In 2025, the country planted over 285,000 hectares of concentrated forests and 108 million scattered trees. The export value of timber and forest products reached over USD 18 billion, with a trade surplus of USD 14.8 billion. Revenue from forest environmental services was nearly VND 4,000 billion, and the national forest coverage rate was maintained at 42.03%, creating an important foundation for 2026.

Over the years, Lao Cai province has continuously promoted forest protection and development movements, contributing to environmental protection, socio-economic development, and improved livelihoods for local people. Annually, the province plants more than 14,000 hectares of new forests. By 2025, the total forested land area reached over 865,000 hectares, with a forest coverage rate of 61.5%, making Lao Cai one of the leading provinces nationwide in forest coverage.

President Luong Cuong delivers a keynote speech and launches the “Tet Tree Planting Festival in Eternal Gratitude to President Ho Chi Minh”

In response to the President’s call, on the very first days of the Lunar New Year, all 99 communes and wards across Lao Cai Province simultaneously launched tree planting activities. In 2026, Lao Cai aims to plant over 14,000 hectares of concentrated forests and more than 6 million scattered trees.

The President and delegates plant trees

Speaking at the ceremony, President Luong Cuong emphasized that investing in the green economy is a long-term strategy that not only generates economic value but also ensures sustainable livelihoods for people, especially in mountainous areas. Vietnam needs to promote the circular economy, participate more deeply in global green value chains, and fulfill its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. At the same time, it is essential to protect and develop forests, expand green spaces in both urban and rural areas, and apply nature-based solutions to absorb carbon and improve the living environment for present and future generations.

On this occasion, the President called on ministries, sectors, localities, businesses, and all citizens to actively participate in tree planting and forest development movements, contributing to building a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable Vietnam.

Following the launching ceremony, the President and delegates participated in tree planting at Lao Cai Cultural Park on Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Cam Duong Ward.