Digital Economy: Growth Driver for Megacity Ho Chi Minh City

The event was organized by the Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City in collaboration with the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH). The workshop aimed to shape the development strategy for Ho Chi Minh City in the new period, after merging with Binh Duong province (old) and Ba Ria - Vung Tau (old) from July 1.

Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Lam Dinh Thang, Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City, said that Ho Chi Minh City is entering a new stage of development and growth based on high labor productivity and high technology. Mr. Lam Dinh Thang emphasized: "Ho Chi Minh City no longer relies on manual labor-intensive industries as before, in which choosing the digital economy as a new growth driver".

Mr. Lam Dinh Thang, Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City, spoke at the Workshop. (Photo: One World Magazine)

In its development roadmap, Ho Chi Minh City aims for the digital economy to account for 25% of GRDP by 2025 and 40% of GRDP by 2030. Mr. Lam Dinh Thang raised the question: "The goal is how Ho Chi Minh City's digital economy must truly and effectively contribute to the city's double-digit economic growth rate from 2026."

According to Mr. Nguyen Huu Yen, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City, the new megacity will promote the strengths of three areas. These are services and innovation of Ho Chi Minh City (old); industry of Binh Duong (old); seaport and tourism potential of Ba Ria - Vung Tau (old).

However, the new city also faces many challenges. The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology pointed out difficulties in synchronizing the legal environment, integrating infrastructure and ensuring the security of data systems between the three regions.

Contributing to the workshop, Associate Professor Dr. Tran Minh Tuan, Director of the Department of Digital Economy - Digital Society, Ministry of Science and Technology, shared the formula for success for the digital economy. Mr. Tuan said that the first is to measure by online results. The second is the ecosystem of platforms supporting wholesale and retail. The third is a clear supply-demand connection model between the central and local levels.

On the expert side, Associate Professor Dr. Pham Khanh Nam, Principal of the University of Economics, Law and Public Administration (UEH), said that Ho Chi Minh City should prioritize building a shared data warehouse. At the same time, it is necessary to invest in technology platforms and high-quality human resources.

Meanwhile, Dr. Thai Kim Phung, Vice Principal of the University of Technology and Design (UEH) mentioned promoting digital skills training programs and having policies to attract and retain talent.

Also at the event, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology, Ho Chi Minh City Statistics Office and the UEH School of Economics, Law and Public Administration signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation for the 2025-2030 period.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/kinh-te-so-dong-luc-tang-truong-cho-sieu-do-thi-tphcm-215522.html