The National Target Program (NTP) for New Rural Development (NRD) represents a major initiative by the Party and the State of Vietnam. In recent years, Thu Lũm Commune in Mường Tè District has prioritized the dissemination of information as a critical task in organizing and implementing the NRD program. Effective communication has been key in helping officials, party members, and residents understand the significance and importance of the program. This unified understanding has translated into concrete actions, resulting in the development of economic and social infrastructure, ecological preservation, and improved security and order. Consequently, the material and spiritual lives of the local population have seen significant enhancement.

Thu Lũm Commune, located in the northwestern part of Mường Tè District, is a remote, border area 94 kilometers from the district center. Spanning 11,289.1 hectares, the commune’s terrain is rugged. It encompasses nine villages, all situated along the border, housing 529 households and 2,547 residents from three different ethnic groups. The commune shares a 36.245-kilometer-long border.

Over the past few years, under the leadership and direction of provincial and district authorities, and with prioritized investment resources for NRD, the Party Committee, government, and local residents have actively implemented various solutions under the NTP for NRD. Coordination between the commune’s NRD Steering Committee and local Fatherland Front and mass organizations has been strengthened, leading to significant achievements. The entire community has been mobilized to participate in building new rural areas through the “All People Unite to Build New Rural Areas and Civilized Cities” movement.

**A New Perspective of Thu Lũm Today**

Residents have been encouraged to contribute ideas to planning, donate land, and volunteer labor for the construction of rural and inter-field roads. As a result, 1,120 square meters of land have been donated, and 9,576 labor days have been contributed to building roads, cultural houses, and environmental sanitation projects. By 2020, Thu Lũm Commune had met all 19 criteria for NRD, officially recognized in Decision No. 378/QD-UBND on April 7, 2021, by the Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee.

Despite achieving the NRD standards, some criteria remain fragile, such as poverty rates, income, and environmental sustainability. To enhance and maintain these criteria, Thu Lũm Commune’s People’s Committee has outlined the following strategies:

1. **Continued Public Awareness Campaigns**: Strengthening the understanding and actions of officials, party members, and residents about the importance of NRD, with the people playing a central role.

2. **Leveraging Local Potential**:
– Developing high-altitude areas (1,600m and above) for medicinal herb cultivation, such as Lai Chau ginseng and Paris polyphylla.
– Reclaiming land at altitudes between 600m and 1,300m to ensure local food security and developing cash crops like regiment peppers and macadamia nuts.
– Focusing on the cultivation of cinnamon and Amomum tsaoko below 800m, and encouraging the shift to economically valuable crops and livestock.

3. **Economic Development and Environmental Protection**:
– Integrating economic development with environmental management, especially in forest protection, waste collection, and wastewater treatment in residential areas.
– Enhancing infrastructure, particularly transportation, irrigation, and electricity, ensuring effective utilization of post-investment projects.

4. **National Defense and Security**:

– Strengthening national defense and security, coordinating with forces to firmly protect border sovereignty, and combating various crimes, especially drug-related offenses.
– Proactively addressing pressing issues and handling complaints and denunciations to prevent escalation.

5. **Human Resource Development**:
– Focusing on training and professional development for commune officials and village leaders.
– Promoting administrative reforms and the application of information technology.

These comprehensive strategies aim to build on Thu Lũm Commune’s achievements, ensuring sustainable development and improved quality of life for its residents.