1. Major administrative restructuring marks a historic turning point
On 1 July 2025, the former provinces of Bình Định and Gia Lai officially merged, creating a new Gia Lai with a natural area of more than 21,576 sq km and a population topping 3.5 million. The merger forms the nation’s second-largest province and unites two regions rich in historical and cultural heritage.
The restructuring also launched Vietnam’s first full implementation of the two-tier local government model. Gia Lai concluded district-level administration and now comprises 135 commune-level units, 110 communes and 25 wards.
2. First provincial Party Congress for the 2025-2030 term
From 2-4 October, Gia Lai held its first Provincial Party Congress for the 2025–2030 term under the theme of building a strong political system and mobilising resources for rapid development. The Congress outlined 33 key targets, four task groups, five growth pillars and four strategic breakthroughs.
Colonel General Thái Đại Ngọc, a member of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, was appointed Provincial Party Secretary. The province also organised its first Vietnam Fatherland Front Congress and other political-social congresses at all levels.
3. Socio-economic targets surpassed despite major transition
Following the merger, Gia Lai assigned development targets to all 135 communes and departments. By year-end, the province fulfilled all tasks mandated by the Government and met or exceeded 18 of 21 socio-economic indicators.
GRDP grew 7.2%, ranking third among six south central coast–central Highlands localities. Economic output reached VND 270.6 trillion (approx. USD 10.7 billion), with per-capita GRDP at VND 85.05 million (approx. USD 3,360). Budget revenue climbed to VND 28.5 trillion (around USD 1.12 billion), up 22.5%.
Export turnover surpassed USD 3.4 billion. Public investment disbursement topped 95% of plan. Poverty fell to 2.19%, while education and healthcare posted strong gains, including full adoption of electronic medical records across public health facilities.
4. National Assembly delegation and People’s Council drive policy momentum
Gia Lai’s National Assembly Delegation contributed to deliberations on constitutional amendments, administrative reorganisation and national strategic investment. Their consultations captured local concerns and voter expectations.
The Provincial People’s Council issued key resolutions supporting restructuring and socio-economic development, setting the institutional foundation for the 2025–2030 period.
5. Investment attraction surges beyond targets
In 2025, the province approved 192 projects with registered capital exceeding VND 160 trillion (approx. USD 6.3 billion), including 16 FDI projects.
Two major investment promotion events resulted in approvals or MoUs for 131 projects worth over VND 350.7 trillion (approx. USD 13.9 billion). Gia Lai also streamlined administrative coordination to reduce investor bottlenecks.
6. Strong gains in culture, sports and tourism
A series of major cultural commemorations reinforced heritage preservation, while high-performance sports athletes won 368 medals across 121 domestic, regional and international competitions.
Tourism continued its rise, welcoming 12.4 million visitors and generating revenue of VND 29 trillion (approx. USD 1.15 billion). Quy Nhơn was named to Lonely Planet’s list of the world’s top 25 destinations, and Gia Lai was selected to host National Tourism Year 2026.
7. Major infrastructure projects break ground and come online
On 19 August, the province launched six strategic projects and inaugurated two others to mark the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day.
On 19 December, Gia Lai began construction of eight additional key infrastructure, industrial and service projects with total investment exceeding VND 60 trillion (approx. USD 2.38 billion). These developments aim to strengthen competitiveness and deepen regional connectivity.
8. Advances in science, technology and digital governance
Gia Lai accelerated its science and technology agenda, rolling out projects in semiconductors, AI, cybersecurity and STEM. The province completed digital transformation to support the two-tier government model and introduced AI-powered virtual assistants.
Administrative processing times were reduced by 55.15%. Gia Lai ranked second among 34 provinces in the national Public Service Index for citizens and businesses.
- In the photo: Ms. Lê Thị Cúc, 68, from Giang Bắc hamlet, Tuy Phước Bắc commune (third from left), welcomes guests celebrating her new home. Photo: Hồng Phúc
9. Effective disaster response and rapid recovery efforts
When Typhoon No. 13 and severe floods struck late in the year, Gia Lai mobilised large-scale evacuations and emergency relief, winning recognition from the Government and the Prime Minister.
Post-disaster efforts included the “Quang Trung Campaign,” which repaired 27,522 homes and built 674 new ones, helping residents stabilise ahead of the 2026 Lunar New Year. The province also completed construction of 12,520 houses for poor and meritorious households, one month ahead of the national schedule.
10. Strengthened national defense, security and external relations
Gia Lai maintained political stability and reinforced national defence and public security, especially in ethnic, border and island regions. The province safeguarded territorial sovereignty and expanded external relations to promote peaceful, stable and cooperative border areas.
