Con Cuong Commune aims to develop into the center of the Southwest sub-region of Nghe An.

History of formation

Con Cuong commune was established on July 1, 2025 on the basis of merging Yen Khe and Chi Khe communes and Tra Lan town of Con Cuong district (old). The commune has a natural area of ​​155.45 km², including 36 blocks, villages and hamlets with a population of 26,043 people, 6,223 households. Con Cuong commune is located in the central area of ​​Con Cuong district (old), about 120 km west of Vinh city.

Con Cuong commune is located partly in Pu Mat National Park and on Highway 7. The commune's terrain is mainly mountainous, with complex differentiation, gradually decreasing towards the central area. The climate is cool, pleasant, favorable for eco-tourism.

Con Cuong commune possesses a diverse ecosystem with primeval forests, rivers, streams, and waterfalls. Notable landmarks include Khe Kem waterfall, Nuoc Moc stream, and caves. This area also has large timber resources, many precious woods, and abundant aquatic resources in river and stream systems such as Lam and Giang rivers. In addition, Con Cuong commune is also an archaeological site with unique historical and cultural values, associated with historical events of the nation, such as Tra Lan citadel and Ma Nhai stele from the 13th century.

Historical relics in Con Cuong commune are not only traces of the past but also important tourism resources, bringing profound cultural and educational values ​​to visitors. These relics contribute to creating a unique tourist route, combining history, culture and nature.

For example, the Ma Nhai Stele Historical Site, also known as "Ma Nhai Ky Cong Bi Van," was carved on the cliff of Thanh Nam in the 14th century. This stele recorded the feats of the retired Emperor Tran Minh Tong in suppressing the rebellion and protecting the border. The Ma Nhai Stele is a valuable cultural heritage, proving the national sovereignty and the sculpture art of the ancients. Therefore, when coming here, visitors can learn about a heroic period of the nation's history, at the same time, admire the unique ancient writing and the beauty of the majestic mountains.

Being recognized as a national historical and cultural relic in 2011 has helped Ma Nhai stele become an attractive destination, especially for those interested in history.

Con Cuong commune also has Tra Lan Citadel. Tra Lan Citadel is associated with the "bamboo splits ash flies" victory of Lam Son insurgents under the leadership of Le Loi in the uprising against the Ming army in the 15th century. This is a symbol of indomitable spirit and will to fight for national independence.

These relics are "red addresses" to educate generations about patriotism and national pride. Visitors can visit, learn and imagine a difficult but heroic historical period, thereby appreciating the current peaceful values. These heritages, when combined with eco-tourism in Pu Mat National Park and cultural villages, have created a colorful picture, making Con Cuong commune an attractive destination, with depth in both nature and history.

The residents of Con Cuong commune have ethnic and cultural diversity, being home to many ethnic groups such as Kinh, Thai, Dan Lai, Kho Mu and Muong. The traditional culture of ethnic minorities is preserved and promoted, especially the Thai people with activities such as brocade weaving, basketry, and folk songs and dances. These cultural values ​​are also the basis for developing community tourism.

For example, the stopover "Tham Nang Man Yen Khe". This is the name of a limestone cave in Na Pha village, Yen Khe commune (old); A place that not only has natural value for hundreds of years, but also has important spiritual significance for the Thai people, where people believe that couples in love who come to pray for love will be blessed.

The Thai people consider this place a place for cultural and spiritual activities, believing that couples who come to pray for luck and love will be blessed by the spirits. To commemorate the love story of Nang La (a character associated with Tham Nang Man), the locality often organizes the weekly "Nang Man Rendezvous", an opportunity to exchange culture, art, cuisine and honor Thai culture.

Socio-economic situation

Regarding economic development, the growth rate of total product value in the period 2021-2025 is estimated at 6.8%/year. The economic structure is shifting in a positive direction, with the proportion of services increasing and agriculture decreasing. It is estimated that by 2025, the average income per capita will reach 41.5 million VND. The total budget revenue decentralized in the commune is estimated at 4,175 billion VND.

Main economic sectors: Services: Various types of services and trade have developed, especially eco-tourism and homestay tourism. The commune has promoted the values ​​of historical relics such as Khe Sat temple and Ma Nhai stele. Industry - Construction: The growth rate of added value of this sector is estimated at 12.8% per year. Some key products include the production of clothing, medicinal herbs and OCOP products. The Bong Khe Industrial Cluster (now Con Cuong commune) is being implemented, expected to attract many factories and investment enterprises.

Agriculture has been promoted to apply science and technology, transforming the structure of crops and livestock to increase productivity. Many economic linkage models have brought high efficiency. Focus on investment in developing science and technology and applying digital transformation in management, production and business. Resource management and environmental protection have been strengthened, preventing pollution "hotspots".

Con Cuong commune is interested in promoting digital transformation in management and teaching, improving the quality of education. The rate of schools meeting national standards is 85.71%. Cultural and artistic activities take place vigorously. The quality of medical examination and treatment is improved, meeting the health care needs of the people. National defense and political security are maintained, social order and safety are guaranteed. The traditional foreign relations with Xay Cham Pon district, Bolikhamxay province of Laos continue to be maintained.

Development orientation

As the first term implementing the 2-level local government model, although there are still shortcomings and difficulties in the process of implementing the political tasks of the commune; the capacity, qualifications, awareness and responsibility of cadres have not met the requirements, especially the lack of in-depth expertise in finance, construction, transportation and resources are still limited, but the Party Committee, government and people of Con Cuong commune are determined to unite, persevere, be dynamic, innovative and creative in leadership and direction to complete the goals set for the new term.

Accordingly, strive to build Con Cuong commune to develop comprehensively and sustainably, soon become an urban area in the direction of eco-tourism; be the center of the Southwest sub-region of Nghe An, develop medical service centers, vocational training, tourism... with the role of promoting the socio-economic development of the Southwest sub-region in general and of Con Cuong district (old) in particular, with the potential to develop an eco-tourism area associated with the conservation and development of the World Biosphere Reserve (Pu Mat Biosphere Reserve).

Strive for a gradually synchronous and modern infrastructure system that is adaptable to climate change and ensures safety. The material and spiritual life of the people is improved. National defense and security are solid. The Party organization and political system are strong; the aspiration for development is aroused. The spirit of innovation, creativity, daring to think, daring to speak, daring to do, daring to take responsibility for the common good is promoted through the strength of the great national unity bloc and the people's trust is strengthened.

Accordingly, the key tasks identified include: Building
Building a team of cadres, especially key cadres with qualities, capacity, and prestige, meeting the requirements of tasks in the new period. Building a strong communal government, close to the people, serving the people, promoting administrative reform, applying digital transformation to meet the requirements and tasks of the two-level government.

Synchronous development, creating connections between economic sectors, types of production and business; regional linkages in tourism development; promoting the application and transfer of science, technology, innovation and creativity. Actively coordinate and mobilize resources to build a synchronous and modern infrastructure system to meet development requirements. Attract businesses to invest in homestay models, farmstay, and cultural experiences of ethnic minorities. Upgrade infrastructure.

Complete the planning of ecological agricultural zones; develop indigenous medicinal herbs. Especially strengthen forest management and protection, focus on developing sustainable forest economy, attract investment in the forest economic sector. Put Bong Khe industrial cluster into operation, motivate the operation of forest product processing factories to promote sustainable forest economic development.

Pay attention to the cultural and social fields. Improve the quality of education and training. Preserve the Thai language and writing; digitize community cultural documents. Build village cultural spaces, restore traditional festivals. Improve education, health care services, and social security policies.

Strengthening State management of cultural activities; ensuring social progress and equity, improving the material and spiritual life of the people. Strengthening national defense, security and social management.

Con Cuong Commune proposed 3 breakthroughs:

1. Promote administrative reform, build an honest, creative, professional, modern administration that serves the people. Focus on building and developing digital government, digital economy and digital society.

2. Building a team of cadres and civil servants, especially a team of professional, qualified, competent, dedicated and highly responsible leaders and managers to meet the requirements of the new situation. Timely and properly implementing the work of reorganizing the apparatus and streamlining the payroll in accordance with the regulations of the Party and the State in the 2-level local government organization model.

3. Planning Con Cuong commune area into an ecological urban area. Developing ecological economy, tourism, forming and expanding the regional tourism route: Tra Lan - Ma Nhai - Khe Kem - Dap Pha Lai - Song Giang - Suoi Nuoc Moc Tham Nang Man community tourism in Nua village, Xieng village, Khe Ran village and traditional craft villages.

Hoai Thu