Welcoming the first spring after merger: New momentum, new vision

The 2026 Lunar New Year (Tet) of the Horse marks a significant milestone in the development journey of the country and of Dong Nai.

This occasion is the first spring to implement the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress, ushering in a new era of development and a period of substantial national advancement. It is also the first spring following the merger of the former provinces of Dong Nai and Binh Phuoc into the new Dong Nai province, establishing a broader development space with greater scale, potential, and room for growth.

In this flow, the 2026 Tet is not only a moment of transition for heaven and earth but also a starting point for a development phase with higher demands and greater determination. The new Dong Nai province enters its first year with the goal of double-digit growth, green and sustainable development, building a rich, strong, civilized, and modern locality, maintaining its role as a driving force for the Southeast region and the Southern Key Economic Region.

The momentum of spring is vividly reflected in the national and inter-regional key projects currently being accelerated. The Long Thanh International Airport project, a symbol of national strategic vision, Ho Chi Minh City Ring Road 3, and the Bien Hoa - Vung Tau Expressway are steadily shaping a new face for the transport infrastructure. Once completed, these projects will create a breakthrough in connectivity, expand development space, and enhance Dong Nai's competitiveness within regional and global value chains. Infrastructure moving one step ahead serves as the foundation for realizing the aspiration of rapid and sustainable growth.

Spring also arrives with the bustling pace of production in industrial parks. Dozens of industrial parks across the province are operating steadily, with workers diligently fulfilling orders, signaling a positive start to business activity in the new year. At the same time, this reflects the effectiveness of support measures, efforts to address difficulties, improvements in the investment environment, and the province's active pursuit of administrative reform. When businesses remain stable, employment is secure, and workers' incomes improve, a solid social foundation for achieving growth targets is established.

Alongside economic development, social welfare remains a top priority for Dong Nai. In the festive atmosphere of celebrating the Party and Tet, many meaningful programs have been widely launched, such as Border Spring 2026, Warm Spring – Tet of Sharing, Border Guard Spring – Warming the Hearts of Villagers, Security Tet – Warm Spring, and Tet Reunion Bus Trip, among others. These practical activities, aimed at policy-beneficiary families, the poor, ethnic minorities, and people in remote, isolated, and border areas, not only bring joy during Tet but also clearly demonstrate the responsibility of the entire political system and the business community in ensuring that no one is left behind.

Entering 2026, Dong Nai faces both great opportunities and significant challenges. Unification is not merely about expanding administrative boundaries but also requires alignment in planning, organizational structure, resource allocation, and more. Upholding the spirit of "Unity - pioneering - breakthrough - integration - development", the Party Committee, authorities, and people of Dong Nai Province must transform the province's advantages in geography, infrastructure, human resources, and market scale into tangible growth drivers, thereby enhancing the quality of life for the people.

The first spring of unification is therefore not only a source of pride but also a call to responsibility. It is the responsibility to maintain political and social stability, improve the effectiveness of governance, promote innovation, and develop a green, sustainable economy. With new momentum, renewed confidence, and strong political will, Dong Nai has every foundation to make a breakthrough, affirm its role as a central driving force of the Southeast region, and, together with the whole country, confidently move forward into a new era of development.

By Thu Ngoc – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho