Vietnam sees the development of smart and sustainable cities as a decisive effort to improve national competitiveness, Kinh Te & Do Thi quoted Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has said at a smart cities summit.

Chairing the plenary session of the ASEAN Smart Cities Summit in Hanoi on October 22, the Vietnamese prime minister said as an active member of the ASEAN Smart Cities Network, Vietnam has made policies and efforts to develop smart cities, considering this one of three key tasks in the national digital transformation process.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc presides over the plenary session of the ASEAN Smart Cities Summit in Hanoi on October 22. Photo: Kinhtedothi.vn

Mr. Phuc stressed the importance of developing strong and smart infrastructure as well as e-government and then building digital government. The effort should be based on the continuous achievements and experiences of 35 years of national renewal and harnessing the added values of new technologies while promoting the cultural identities of ASEAN countries.

Developing smart cities is really "a big game" that needs to be joined by many "players" with a long-term vision and resources, towards realizing the goal of securing happiness, comprehensive human development, environmental protection and sustainable development of urban ecosystems, PM Phuc affirmed.

Besides, it is necessary to encourage the active participation of the private sector in boosting innovation and creativity, the PM emphasized.

He asked for continued promotion of strategic and high-quality scientific human resources development programs, as well as the harmonious linkage of innovation and digital transformation with sustainable smart city urban development orientations.

The government leader stressed that urban development is an important tool to boost national growth. Vietnam aims to accelerate and expand urban development to bring the best benefits to its people.

“I want ASEAN members to raise high spirit of solidarity and join hands to well implement the five priorities of ASEAN 2020 that are strengthening a peaceful environment, connecting prosperity, developing the community and ASEAN identity, promoting international partnerships and enhancing ASEAN institutional capacities," Mr. Phuc said.

He called on the construction industry, communities and businesses, especially technology companies, to work closely together and develop efficient smart cities.

On the sidelines of the summit, PM Phuc visited the Smart Cities Fair where Vietnamese and foreign companies present cutting-edge technologies in the field.