On the afternoon of 3/12, the Cao Bang Provincial Party Committee held a ceremony to announce the Politburo's decision regarding the assignment of Phan Thang An. He will serve as the provincial party secretary and join the Party Committee of Military Region 1. An succeeds Quan Minh Cuong, who was appointed Quang Ninh provincial party secretary earlier that day.

In his acceptance speech, Phan Thang An stated he would promote the province's historical, cultural, and natural values to enhance Cao Bang's image and appeal.

Phan Thang An. *Photo: TTXVN*.

Phan Thang An, a doctor of economics, hails from Da Nang. He previously served as district party committee secretary and chairman of the district people's council for Thang Binh district in the former Quang Nam province. He then worked at the Central Organization Commission, holding various positions: deputy head, then head of Local Department II; director of the Internal Political Protection Department; deputy secretary of the agency's party committee, chairman of the Party Committee Inspection Commission; and standing member of the Central Internal Political Protection Subcommittee. In December 2022, the Politburo appointed him deputy head of the Central Organization Commission, a position he held until now.

The Cao Bang Provincial Party Congress in September set a goal for the next five years: to achieve significant growth within the Northern Midlands and Mountainous region. The province also aims to become a trade hub connecting Vietnam with China and ASEAN, expand its external transport infrastructure, and establish a regional commercial-tourism driving axis.

Vu Tuan