A digital database is the core to facilitate Hanoi's digital economy in 2024, according to a plan released by the city's mayor, Tran Sy Thanh.

Digital solutions in use at vacuum flask manufacturer Rang Dong JSC in Hanoi. Photo: Thanh Hai/The Hanoi Times

According to the plan, numbered 57/KH-UBND and released early this month, the four main elements for the development of the digital economy are the information and technology industry, the digitalization of economic sectors, digital administration, and the development of digital databases.

In 2024, Hanoi will finalize several regulations and policies to better explore databases and develop shared infrastructures.

The city will also accelerate the development of digital infrastructure among all municipal agencies, launch an open database system to drive the digital economy and society and improve its position in the national digitalization ranking.

Local governments will take measures to communicate about the digital economy and raise people's awareness. In addition, they will further develop local infrastructures and establish a database center to serve the development of the intelligent control center in the capital.

Hanoi's authorities will also maintain, operate, and make the best use of its database, which is linked to those of the government, ministries, provinces, and cities.

Meanwhile, drastic measures will be taken to ensure that the database enables the municipal and sub-municipal authorities to process and analyze socio-economic growth activities and advance the development of a digital economy.

Moreover, municipal and local governments and businesses will seek to develop new applications for key economic sectors, including tourism and culture, transportation, health and education, environmental protection, urban design and construction, industry and commerce, economic investment, and agriculture and rural development.

Hanoi will also work with ministries and other government agencies to find and implement technological solutions to meet the needs of each sector and drive local socio-economic development.

For the business community, Hanoi encourages start-ups and technology developers to create new digital products and services for the city's growth.

Local enterprises are urged to make use of technological advances to update and reform their operations and improve their performance through online platforms.

Hanoi authorities will also prioritize the development of digital citizens and culture. Accordingly, people will be encouraged to connect to the Internet, register, and use digital services in public administration, healthcare, and education.

Consumers are invited to make purchases through electronic platforms and digital tools. Local authorities are obliged to communicate and instruct people about security measures to protect their digital accounts on the Internet.

According to experts, a digital database is the key to building a smart city and a digital economy.

Data mining, or database building, is the key to making Hanoi a truly smart city in the future, said Deputy Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Ha Minh Hai at the Vietnam-Asia Smart City Summit hosted by Hanoi's Department of Information and Communications on November 29-30, 2023.

The Deputy Mayor emphasized that Hanoi is fully aware of the central role of digital transformation as a driver of sustainable growth.

"A sustainable smart city must be people-centric, which means we should improve living conditions, and all products and services must stem from smart transformation," he stated.