On the morning of June 9, the People's Council of Cao Bang Province, session XVII for the 2021-2026 term, conducted the official voting procedure to elect the new Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee.

After carrying out the process to relieve former Chairman Hoang Xuan Anh of his duties due to retirement as stipulated by regulations, the provincial council elected Le Hai Hoa to succeed him for the remainder of the term.

With 39 out of 42 votes in favor, Le Hai Hoa was officially elected by the provincial People's Council to serve as Chairman of Cao Bang Province.

Le Hai Hoa expressed his honor at being trusted and nominated for the role and pledged to fulfill the responsibility entrusted to him as provincial chairman.

The newly appointed chairman stated that as the nation undergoes administrative restructuring and implements new local governance models, he and his team are committed to embracing change with confidence and a sense of responsibility.

Although Cao Bang has achieved many positive indicators, such as a 13.34% increase in retail and service sales, nearly 30% growth in tourist arrivals, and exceeding the central budget revenue target by 102%, Hoa acknowledged that the province still faces pressing challenges. These include sluggish disbursement of public investment, unstable budget revenue sources, incomplete administrative reform, and fragmented digital transformation.

"With the spirit of 'Decisive action - Modern governance - Ultimate responsibility,' I pledge to work with the provincial government to seize development opportunities. Our immediate priorities include developing strategic transportation infrastructure, particularly the Dong Dang - Tra Linh expressway and preparing for the Bac Kan - Cao Bang expressway project.

At the same time, we will accelerate digital transformation, public investment disbursement, border trade revenue expansion, logistics and tourism development, and enhance administrative discipline," said the new chairman.

Regarding economic development, Le Hai Hoa outlined four key pillars: border-gate economy, tourism economy, agricultural economy, and industrial economy. On the social welfare front, the province will focus on eliminating temporary housing, supporting people with meritorious service, implementing policies for ethnic groups and religions, and promoting sustainable poverty reduction.

National defense and security will remain stable, and the local environment will be protected, with the ultimate goal of making Cao Bang the province with the highest happiness index in the country.

Le Hai Hoa, born in 1980, holds a PhD in Economics. He previously served as Chief of Office for the Provincial People's Committee, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, and Party Secretary of Cao Bang City.

Doan Bong