Ho Chi Minh (HCM) City is the first city in the country to announce a program on digital transformation along with a data sharing and integration platform.
The announcement was made at a conference last week. The city plans to become a smart city by 2030, with fundamental and comprehensive innovation in the operation of the digital government apparatus and digital businesses.
The program on digital transformation aims that by 2025:
- The proportion of documents processed online at levels 3 and 4 should reach over 50%.
- At least 90% of individuals and businesses should be satisfied with administrative procedures.
- The digital economy should make up 25% of the gross regional domestic product (GRDP).
- Annual workplace productivity should increase by at least 7% each year.
The city aims to provide 100% of online public services at level 4 on a variety of formats by 2030, including on mobile devices.
Level 4 is the highest in Vietnam’s online public service system.
The city will focus on developing digital infrastructure and platforms and ensuring information safety and security. It will also roll out solutions on building a digital government, developing the digital economy in specific fields, and carrying out digital transformation in a host of sectors.
The program announcement demonstrates that the city has selected a faster development path based on human intelligence while promoting the power of information technology and artificial intelligence, the Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, Nguyen Thien Nhan, said.
The city’s upcoming Party Congress will propose a breakthrough program on human resources, especially in information technology, communications, and artificial intelligence.
He suggested municipal authorities research and establish a centre for introducing digital products and services and developing smart products.
The Minister of Information and Communications (MIC), Nguyen Manh Hung, said that HCM City is a pioneer in responding to the project on national digital transformation, adding that the city should spend more on information technologies.
The ministry pledges to provide support resources for the city in the field, he affirmed.
digital transformation is about applying new technologies, changing governance models, changing business models, and applying new models of technology innovations.
The minister also proposed HCM City increase budgetary spending on digital transformation from the current 0.4%.
He added that the ministry will issue three handbooks in August, one on basic concepts of digital transformation, one about digital transformation for businesses, and one on digital transformation in public administration.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong noted that the city will take drastic steps to complete the program, making it a crucial component in realising local goals.
Regarding the digital economy, the city will focus on the ten key areas of health, education, transportation, banking and finance, tourism, agriculture, logistics, environmental protection, energy, and human resources training.
It will promote e-commerce development, completing the start-up ecosystem and boosting innovation, and supporting digital transformation in businesses.
Lam Nguyen Hai Long, the Chairman of the HCM City Computer Association, said it will work closely with industry associations to build a partner ecosystem for digital transformation activities.