The digitalization process is expected to help Hanoi realize its vision to become a smart and modern city by 2025, creating the foundation for rapid and sustainable economic development.

A corner of Hanoi. Photo: Tuan Anh

The view was shared in a resolution by the Hanoi Party Committee on promoting Hanoi’s smart city by 2025, with a vision to 2030.

Accordingly, the city should be among the leading localities in terms of digital transformation.

Building a smart city holds a strategic meaning for Hanoi’s long-term development, which requires strong efforts and a new mindset from the entire political system, it said.

By 2030, the city is envisioned to become a modern and smart city integrated into the network of smart urban cities in the region and the world; build comprehensive databases for priority economic sectors; and based on this, develop creative services for the benefit of the population and businesses.

Data should be seen as a new resource for socio-economic development, it noted.

Meanwhile, the resolution stressed the necessity for Hanoi to build adequate IT and digital infrastructure to help facilitate the digitalization process and build a smart city.

By 2025, 100% of administrative procedures should be provided online while the city completes an ecosystem of digital government.

The digital economy is expected to contribute up to 30% of the total regional gross domestic product (GDPR); Internet broadband coverage is expected to be 90%; and the rate of urban citizens with online payment accounts would exceed 50%.

Vice Director of the Hanoi Department of Information and Communications Nguyen Viet Hung said the city is in the preparation process for building a digital government, focusing on investing in infrastructure to develop databases for digitalization.

"There have been positive developments in the development of the digital economy and society, which are demonstrated by the boom in e-commerce activities and the use of non-cash payment in various economic transactions," he said.

In 2022, Hanoi ranked second in Vietnam's 2022 e-Business Index with a score of 85.9, up 30.2 compared to 2021. The rate of adults using smartphones was estimated at 78% and households having access to broadband internet at 90%.

According to Hung, in 2023, Hanoi would launch the 3-level interconnected administrative processing solution system to ensure greater efficiency in dealing with citizens’ requests on administrative procedures; e-document management, and a Party member management mobile app.

Drastic measures required

Resolution No. 18 also pointed out shortcomings in Hanoi's digitization process, such as the slow development of digital databases, the failure of the local apparatus to provide input in the decision-making process or the lack of skilled manpower for digital transformation.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of DTT Technology Company Nguyen The Trung stressed a greater focus on promoting innovative startups and the application of digital technologies among businesses.

In addition, Trung expected the process should serve the goals of sustainable development and the promotion of cultural values.

Chairman of Vietnam Internet Association Vu Hoang Lien added among solutions, Hanoi should give priority to education as the platform to train digital skills and contribute to the development of other sectors.

Vice Director of the Hanoi Department of Information and Communications Nguyen Viet Hung noted Hanoi’s digital transformation is closely associated with the building of a civilized, modern, and cultured capital.

“The involvement of both the authorities and people is key for Hanoi to ensure the effective digital transformation process and bring substantial benefits for everyone,” Hung added.