Lao Cai Province Empowers Youth to Realize Potential Business Models

The finals of the "Lao Cai Province Youth Entrepreneurship Idea and Project Contest 2026" were held at the Provincial Youth Activity Center, aiming to foster entrepreneurship among the youth. Launched in June, the contest attracted over 250 ideas and projects. After rigorous preliminary and final selections, 30 outstanding projects were chosen, with 10 projects possessing significant potential to contribute to regional economic development advancing to the finals. This year's ideas were highly practical, focusing on the province's strengths such as green agriculture, ecotourism, medicinal herb processing, and digital commerce. At the finals, 10 teams competed through a stage presentation format. Each team had 10 minutes for project presentation, 5 minutes for sharp rebuttals with the judging panel, and 3 minutes to directly "call for investment" from attending investors. The event venue also featured a space for projects to display their actual products and brand identity. The first prize was awarded to the project "Developing VietGAP Quat Value Chain Associated with Deep Processing of OCOP Products in Lao Cai Province." Two second prizes went to the "Muong Lo Tomato" and "Sin Cheng Ginger Essence" projects. Three third prizes were awarded to "Tu Le Smart Breakfast," "Lam Thuong Red Rice Paste," and "Seven-Layer Canopy Forest Garden" projects. The contest not only nurtures young business talent but also creates opportunities for practical capital connection, contributing to job creation, promoting socio-economic development, and building new rural areas in the northwestern mountainous region. Information source: Nhan Dan