Ha Tinh Provincial Party Committee Leads in Building Friendly and Cooperative Relations with Bolikhamxay and Khammouane Provinces in the Early Years of Industrial Promotion

The two sides agreed to continue cooperation in processing and consuming wood products, livestock breeding; conduct research on cooperation in growing tea and cinnamon; cooperate in organizing nurseries for fruit trees with export value. The two sides agreed to strengthen and build the national border between the two provinces into a border of peace, friendship, and sustainable cooperation; coordinate in issuing separate identity cards to people in communes and villages along the two sides of the border; periodically every 6 months and 1 year, hold meetings between the Border Committees of the two provinces [150].

In order to continue strengthening the cooperative relationship between Ha Tinh province and Khammouane province, in 1993, a high-ranking delegation of Khammouane province visited Ha Tinh and signed a cooperation agreement. At the same time, during this time, each province sent 5 working delegations including experts from the industry, irrigation, agriculture, trade, police, and border sectors to discuss specific cooperation programs [11].

In order to enhance meetings and exchanges between the leaders of the two provinces, the high-level delegation of Bolikhamxay province visited Ha Tinh province from March 2 to March 5, 1994. The two sides assessed the implementation of the signed agreements and agreed to affirm: The implementation of the cooperation contents has "initial results in implementing a number of important tasks in various fields. However, there are still some tasks that have not been implemented. The two sides will review these issues to continue to include them in the implementation program in the coming time" [151].

The two sides affirmed to continue implementing the contents of the signed agreement; agreed to propose that the two governments invest in upgrading Cau Treo border gate into an international border gate; agreed that each year, each side would send a delegation of 10 professional officials to learn from each other's experiences; in addition, Ha Tinh province would help the other province with materials to build a guest house worth 100 million VND [151].

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Next, at the invitation of the neighboring provinces, the delegation of Ha Tinh province visited and worked in Bolikhamxay and Khammouane provinces [111], [153]. During the visits of senior leaders, in each province, after assessing the implementation of the signed agreements, the parties discussed and agreed on specific measures to continue.

Continue to more effectively carry out the task of strengthening cooperation between the Party Committee and people of Ha Tinh province and the two neighboring provinces; speed up the implementation of signed cooperation contents [154].

In addition to maintaining official friendly visits and holding high-level talks, Ha Tinh province and Bolikhamxay and Khammouane provinces have sent many delegations from sectors and localities to visit and work to grasp the situation, exchange experiences and sign cooperation agreements.

In the field of national defense, security and border affairs: Immediately after the high-level meetings, the Ha Tinh Provincial Party Committee directed the Provincial People's Committee and relevant sectors to promptly implement the signed agreements. In the early 1990s, the situation on the border between Ha Tinh province and Bolikhamxay and Khammouane provinces had quite complicated developments. In particular, "taking advantage of the situation, bad Lao elements colluded with bad Vietnamese elements, organized robberies, killing each other and more seriously, arms trafficking" [7].

In order to promptly grasp and promptly handle newly arising issues, ensuring border security, at the end of 1992, the Provincial People's Committee Delegation conducted a survey of the border and directed relevant sectors to promptly coordinate to resolve urgent issues arising regarding security and order in border areas [97]. In order to effectively coordinate the implementation of border issues, Bolikhamxay province sent a delegation led by Comrade Un La - Member of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, Provincial Governor, to visit and work in Ha Tinh province [7].

Next, the delegation of the Bolikhamxay Provincial Border Committee visited and worked with the Ha Tinh Provincial Border Committee. The two sides exchanged information on the socio-economic situation, especially the border situation on each side; agreed on a number of tasks and solutions to promptly handle issues arising in border work [129].

The People's Committee of Ha Tinh province promptly directed relevant agencies to promptly review and unify the management of illegal intruders and business entities in each area.

areas; strengthen inspection, control, and appropriate handling of individuals and groups with violations; continue to strengthen extensive propaganda for people in areas of Huong Son and Huong Khe districts, especially people in communes along the border, to clearly understand the policies and laws of the Party and State, especially the Border Regulations; regularly maintain periodic meetings, inform each other about the situation and promptly resolve issues arising on the border. In addition to issuing directive documents, the Provincial People's Committee continues to promptly send working delegations to complicated areas, coordinate to resolve arising issues in order to effectively implement the border regulations and signed cooperation agreements [8].

In July 1995, the delegation of the Ha Tinh Provincial Police and the leaders of the Huong Son and Huong Khe District Police visited Bolikhamxay and Khammouane provinces to agree on a plan to protect border security against the infiltration and sabotage activities of exiled reactionaries [43]. Next, Ha Tinh province sent a working delegation from the Foreign Economic Relations Department to visit and work with the functional agencies of the neighboring provinces to urge the implementation of the cooperation contents signed with the neighboring provinces [6].

In addition, the Provincial Border Committee coordinates with relevant agencies, border districts, border posts, border stations, and border communes to disseminate information related to border work, educate people to properly implement the provisions of the Border Regulations; strictly manage the activities of foreigners entering the border area... Thanks to that, the situation of violations of public order and security, border crossings, and violations of border regulations has decreased significantly compared to before [1].

In the economic and trade fields: Implementing the contents of signed cooperation agreements, the parties continue to send working delegations of the province and sectors to visit and work to discuss and agree on specific plans for cooperation, trade exchange, experience in developing household economy, helping friends in agricultural techniques, growing fruit trees, raising livestock, exploiting and processing forest products...

In May 1994, Ha Tinh province sent a delegation of officials from provincial departments and branches to visit and coordinate surveys and cooperation in the fields of transportation and forestry in Bolikhamxay and Khammouane provinces [130].

In Khammouane province, the two sides discussed sending officials and experts in the fields of planning, agriculture, and basic construction; promoting the opening of the Huong Khe - Ban Giang border route; introducing the export of goods that Khammouane province needs; discussing plans to exploit and process products in the neighboring province such as wood, limestone, gypsum, phosphorus, etc.

In Bolikhamxay province, the two sides discussed and exchanged the cooperation contents that the two sides had signed, especially urging the relevant sectors of the two provinces to coordinate in conducting planning surveys, shifting the structure of crops and livestock, helping the neighboring province with new varieties, building models in agricultural production; creating conditions for businesses and entrepreneurs to come to the two provinces to seek opportunities and markets for production and business cooperation...

In June 1995, the working delegation of the Provincial People's Committee and leaders of relevant departments and branches visited and surveyed the construction of Cau Treo Border Gate, promoted the construction of power lines, and exploited and transported wood [131]. On this occasion, Ha Tinh province helped its friends with 2,000 orange, grapefruit, persimmon, and tangerine trees, 10 kg of fish seeds, and invited 2 delegations (65 people) to visit and exchange experiences on garden and household economics; supported Cam Cot district with 30 tons of rice during the lean season [1]. Also on this occasion, Ha Tinh province helped Cam Cot district with materials to build the district's guest house [94].

Implementing the policy of the Provincial Party Committee, the People's Committee of Ha Tinh province has deployed the planning of residential areas associated with the construction of new economic zones and the policy of hunger eradication and poverty reduction, aiming to gradually improve the material and spiritual life of people in remote areas, especially in border communes [1]. In order to promote trade activities, the People's Committee of Ha Tinh province has strengthened the direction of sectors and localities, especially border districts, to issue policies, creating favorable conditions for businesses to participate in trading and exchanging goods with Bolikhamxay and Khammouane provinces; gradually forming trading and service centers in border communes.

to facilitate people of the three provinces to exchange and trade essential goods for production and life.

During the period of 1991 - 1995, the contents of the cooperation agreements between Ha Tinh province and Bolikhamxay and Khammouane provinces during high-level visits and talks as well as working trips of leaders of sectors and localities were implemented quite effectively by the parties. However, due to the economic difficulties of the three provinces, especially in the context of Ha Tinh province having just been separated, the cooperation results were not commensurate with the potential and requirements. Many signed cooperation contents were either not implemented, or were implemented slowly, with low efficiency. Import-export turnover between the three provinces was low, in 1995 alone, between Ha Tinh province and Bolikhamxay, exports only reached 60% of the plan (156,000 USD), imports reached 30% of the plan (85,000 USD) [2]. In 1993 alone, Ha Tinh and Bolikhamxay provinces "sent 5 delegations to work together, including experts in industry, irrigation, agriculture, forestry, trade, police, and border guards, to directly discuss specific contracts and implement signed documents but failed due to difficulties in capital sources" [11]. Regarding some other areas of cooperation, "during the cooperation process, the payment of debts and balances have been delayed for a long time, causing many difficulties for some sectors of our province (Ha Tinh - Author), and because of that, Ha Tinh's sectors have hesitated in the cooperation process" [11]. Difficulties and lack of consensus on prices, markets for goods, administrative procedures in the import and export process... have greatly affected the implementation of the signed cooperation agreements [9].

Regarding culture, sports, education and health: The cultural sector of Ha Tinh province and Bolikhamxay and Khammouane provinces have signed cooperation documents, encouraging all levels, sectors and localities to organize cultural and artistic exchange activities, physical education and sports to strengthen solidarity between the people of Ha Tinh province and Bolikhamxay and Khammouane provinces. The cultural and sports sectors of Ha Tinh province and Bolikhamxay and Khammouane provinces regularly organize visits and exchange experiences in the fields of management of cultural activities,

performing arts, the work of building a model for professional cultural and artistic development in a market mechanism... The cultural and artistic troupes of Ha Tinh province, Bolikhamxay and Khammouane provinces have organized tours with many unique performances, imbued with the cultural identity of each ethnic group, leaving good impressions in the hearts of the audience [9]. In addition, many art troupes of the Border Guard Command, Military Command, and border districts have regularly organized visits and performances in neighboring provinces, especially localities along the border of the three provinces [7].

The Department of Education and Training of Ha Tinh province has signed cooperation documents with other provinces to create favorable conditions to help and contribute to improving the quality of education and the effectiveness of training [12]. Every year, the Department of Education and Training of Ha Tinh province and Bolikhamxay and Khammouane provinces have sent delegations of officials and experts to visit, study, and exchange experiences in management and improving the quality of education and training at all levels of general education. In addition to strengthening cooperation to improve the quality of general education, Ha Tinh province has paid attention to helping other provinces train human resources in areas that other provinces lack, especially in economics, science and technology [129].

During the period of 1991 - 1995, the health sector of Ha Tinh province strengthened cooperation with other provinces in various fields, especially focusing on building infrastructure for medical examination and treatment facilities; sending experts to directly guide, exchange experiences, and provide information to build and develop the health sector of each province; implementing measures to prevent and combat epidemics: typhus, goiter, and prevent infectious diseases. Ha Tinh province continued to strengthen its support for the two other provinces in implementing social programs such as expanded immunization, traditional medicine, and health insurance.

As in other fields, cooperation in culture, sports, education and health between Ha Tinh province and Bolikhamxay and Khammouane provinces in the period of 1991-1995 initially had positive changes. Cooperation in this field, especially the selfless, emotional and responsible assistance of Ha Tinh province, has partly reduced the difficulties of the neighboring provinces, leaving good impressions in the hearts of the Lao ethnic people.

1.2.2. The Party Committee of Ha Tinh province led the building of friendly and cooperative relations with Bolikhamxay and Khammouane provinces in the early years of promoting industrialization and modernization (1996 - 2000).

1.2.2.1. Background, situation and policy of Ha Tinh Provincial Party Committee on building cooperative relations with Bolikhamxay and Khammouane provinces

Since 1996, both Vietnam and Laos have entered a period of promoting national renewal by implementing the Resolution of the 8th National Party Congress (for Vietnam) and the Resolution of the 6th National Party Congress (for Laos).

The 8th Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (June 1996) affirmed

define:

Continue to implement the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, openness, multilateralization and diversification of foreign relations with the spirit that Vietnam wants to be friends with all countries in the world community, striving for peace, independence and development... Strive to strengthen relations with neighboring countries and countries in the ASEAN organization, constantly consolidate relations with traditional friendly countries [65, pp.120-121].

The 6th Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (March 1996) continued to affirm the consistent foreign policy of openness, multilateralization, diversification, strengthening peaceful, friendly and cooperative diplomatic relations with all countries, regardless of political regime, equality, mutual benefit, contributing with all peoples in the cause of fighting for peace, national independence, democracy and social progress; strengthening the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam and Cambodia [68, p.673].

With the spirit of democracy, solidarity, concentration of intelligence, looking straight at the truth, correctly assessing the local situation, the 14th Ha Tinh Provincial Party Congress decided on the direction, goals and tasks for the 1996 term.

- 2000, determined to help Ha Tinh province rise out of poverty. Assessing the border security situation and the results of foreign affairs, the Congress affirmed: "Building and implementing well plans to protect the border and islands, maintaining political stability in all areas of the province... Ensuring good relations with Lao provinces, maintaining the friendly border"

[54, p.19]. However, based on looking straight at the truth, the Congress assessed that "foreign economic relations have not met the requirements of new development. Joint ventures and partnerships with domestic and foreign establishments are still limited" [54, p.21].

The Congress advocated: “Focus on rapidly developing the Vung Ang Port area, the Ha Tinh - Thach Khe town area and the Road 8 economic zone” [54, p.38]. In the field of foreign economic relations, the Congress determined: “Promoting the advantages and potentials of the province’s economy, the regional economy, the advantages of the Road 8 axis, Keo Nua Border Gate, Xuan Hai Port, and Vung Ang Port. Promoting existing joint ventures, promoting the formation of more joint venture economic zones, and linking with foreign countries and other provinces” [54, p.41].

Regarding Bolikhamxay province, the Political Report at the 3rd Bolikhamxay Provincial Party Congress, term 1998 - 2002 affirmed: "Continuing comprehensive cooperation with Ha Tinh and Nghe An provinces of Vietnam, along with organizing and implementing projects that the two sides have signed, it is necessary to increasingly deepen and make the relationship more effective" [57, p.24].

1.2.2.2. Process of directing and organizing implementation

Implementing the policy of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee, propaganda work to raise awareness, create consensus among cadres, party members and people of all walks of life on strengthening friendship and cooperation with Lao provinces has received great attention from the Provincial Party Committee's Propaganda Department, Party Building Committees, Fatherland Front and provincial-level organizations and local Party committees and authorities. Ha Tinh Newspaper, Provincial Radio and Television Station have had many programs, special pages, columns, news, articles, reports... reflecting quite promptly the implementation of cooperation tasks of sectors and localities, thereby praising collectives and individuals with outstanding achievements in various fields.

The direction of innovation in working methods and styles of the departments doing advisory work in the field of foreign affairs of the Party committees, authorities at all levels and sectors and organizations from the provincial to the grassroots level has been carried out quite regularly. The Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Planning and Investment, and the Border Committee have been interested in adding many capable staff. Many mechanisms and policies aim to improve efficiency.

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