Cat Ngan: A new rhythm on the land of confluence.

Landconfluence...

According to ancient texts,Sand(葛) means good, wholesome;Ngan(岸) is the border, the shore. The ancients named it Cát Ngạn (葛岸) with the implication: A fertile area along the Lam River banks.

Cat Ngan is located in the northern part of the former Thanh Chuong district, covering an area of ​​nearly 60 km² and with a population of almost 23,000 people. This area is situated between the Lam and Giang river basins, and comprises the merged communes of Cat Van, Phong Thinh, and Minh Son. It is a land rich in traditions of unity, patriotism, revolution, and a love of learning.

The alluvial plains along the Lam and Giang rivers are quite fertile, with lush green fields of rice, corn, and vegetables stretching year-round. On the gently sloping hills are vast, fertile plantations of tea, cassava, oranges, pomelos, and guavas. The area boasts a considerable amount of forest cover, creating potential for the development of a forest-based economy and integrated livestock farming. The transportation system has received significant investment. The Do Cung Bridge – a long-awaited dream of the people – has become a reality; many inter-commune and inter-village roads have been paved, opening up opportunities for trade and the development of services and commerce.

However, many areas have scattered populations, weak and inconsistent infrastructure development, and limited trade and services. Natural disasters, storms, floods, and epidemics have significantly impacted production and livelihoods. Due to its distance from major growth centers and markets, attracting investment remains limited, lacking projects that act as catalysts for development, and many families still face difficulties. These are the challenges facing Cat Ngan commune in the coming years for its development.

Imprintduring the past term…

During the 2020-2025 term, under the leadership of the Party committees and authorities at all levels, and with the consensus of the people, the three communes of Cat Van, Phong Thinh, and Minh Son (formerly) have achieved commendable results.

The economy has experienced significant growth. In agricultural production, there has been a shift towards land consolidation, forming concentrated production areas, and introducing new crop varieties. Acacia, oranges, tea, and persimmon trees – specialties of the hilly region – are increasingly establishing their brand. Livestock farming has developed strongly in a concentrated manner, applying new technologies, with many households achieving high incomes from deer, bees, and hybrid cattle. Forest planting and protection are emphasized, maintaining forest cover and developing the economy in conjunction with environmental protection.

The service-commerce and industrial-construction sectors have seen a resurgence. Many individual businesses and small enterprises have been established, creating local jobs. Agricultural and service cooperatives are operating increasingly effectively, helping people sell their products and participate in the OCOP program. To date, the commune has products that have achieved 3-star certification, expanding their market beyond the province.

Infrastructure has been invested in more comprehensively. Dozens of transportation projects, schools, and cultural institutions have been newly built or upgraded. Resources come not only from the budget but also from the contributions of the people; those who have left their hometowns to work away from home have contributed nearly 20 billion VND, demonstrating a spirit of solidarity and joint effort for their homeland.

The socio-cultural sectors are thriving. The rate of schools meeting national standards has reached 100%, and the quality of mass and specialized education has been affirmed. Healthcare and medical services are prioritized, especially disease prevention and control. The movement to build a cultured way of life is spreading, and the percentage of cultural villages and families is increasing. Social security policies are implemented fully and promptly, and the poverty rate is decreasing year by year.

National defense and security have been maintained, security and order have been ensured, and the "All People Protect National Security" movement has deepened. This is an important foundation for socio-economic development.

Party building and strengthening the political system are consistently prioritized. Party branches maintain regular activities, focusing on improving the quality of Party members and emphasizing exemplary conduct. The "Effective Mass Mobilization" movement has spread, with many good models and exemplary individuals being replicated, creating a strong connection between the Party's will and the people's aspirations.

However, some targets remain unmet; economic development has not lived up to its potential; budget revenue is not sustainable; and the quality of human resources is still limited. These shortcomings have been identified to learn from experience and serve as a basis for the next term.

Aspiration to reachme

The First Party Congress of Cat Ngan Commune, for the term 2025-2030, has determined that the goal of building the homeland is not only to achieve advanced new rural standards, but also to build a prosperous, beautiful, civilized, and sustainable rural area. The aim is to achieve an average annual economic growth rate of 8-8.5% by 2030; an average per capita income of 80-85 million VND/year; a poverty rate below 1.5%; a forest cover rate of over 33%; and modern, synchronized, and sustainable infrastructure, along with a rich and vibrant spiritual life.

That aspiration is being concretized with clear directions. In agriculture, emphasis is placed on transforming the structure of crops and livestock towards commercial production and increasing value. The cultivation of Terminalia catappa trees and orange groves in the hills, as well as farms raising deer, cattle, and honeybees, will continue to expand in scale, linked to brand building and product distribution chains. The development of clean agriculture and the application of high technology will be encouraged, so that local products will not only be confined to local markets but also reach larger markets.

In the industrial and handicraft sector, high expectations are placed on the Thanh Cat Industrial Cluster, covering 200 hectares, whose planning has been approved by the province. Once operational, it will become a new growth engine, attracting businesses, creating jobs for thousands of workers, and simultaneously promoting the development of services and trade. The vision of a bustling industrial cluster in the heart of Cat Ngan today may still be distant, but the belief and determination of the government and people are clearly evident.

In terms of socio-cultural aspects, with its long-standing traditions, the commune is determined to continue improving the quality of education and healthcare, maintaining 100% of schools meeting national standards, and building a team of dedicated and competent officials, teachers, and medical staff. Emphasis is placed on preserving and promoting traditional cultural values, linked to the development of a vibrant cultural life.

The protection of resources, the environment, and sustainable development are given top priority. 100% of household waste will be collected and processed; "green, clean, and beautiful" models will be widely replicated; and the movement to plant trees and reforestation, including scattered tree planting, will be extensively promoted. This is not only a short-term solution but also a long-term commitment for future generations.

In this new phase, special attention must be paid to Party building and strengthening the political system. Emphasis should be placed on improving the quality of Party branch activities, valuing exemplary conduct, and fostering unity throughout the system. The close bond between the Party and the people continues to be the key to achieving these goals.

Currently, the Giăng River suspension bridge is severely dilapidated, severely hindering all trade and commerce between Cát Ngạn commune and the traditional markets of neighboring communes. Officials and residents of Cát Ngạn commune earnestly hope that higher authorities will invest in building a permanent bridge across the Giăng River to replace the old suspension bridge, creating crucial conditions for the region's development.

The belief in a transformed Cat Ngan stems not only from resolutions and plans, but also from its daily life. Extended concrete roads, modern houses, and sustainable economic models are evidence of this ongoing change.

Above all, it is the unwavering faith of the people in the Party's leadership, the spirit of unity where "the people of Cat Ngan make Cat Ngan." Cat Ngan is embarking on a new journey – a journey of aspiration and construction. There, the Party's will harmonizes with the people's hearts, resolutions are transformed into action, and dreams become reality. A prosperous and sustainable future for the homeland is not just a goal, but a promise to future generations.