Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s leading economic and innovation hub, has officially launched an action plan to implement Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, issued by the Politburo on December 22, 2024. This national strategy focuses on promoting science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation toward 2045.
The city’s long-term vision is to become a smart, innovative metropolis with global competitiveness—on par with major tech hubs such as Singapore, Shenzhen, and Taipei.
Roadmap for Development: Advanced Networks and Nationwide Digital Literacy
A central focus of the plan is to develop next-generation telecommunications infrastructure and enhance digital competencies across all sectors:
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5G Development:
By the end of 2025, Ho Chi Minh City aims to reach 60% 5G coverage, progressing to 100% by 2030. -
6G Ambitions:
Laying the groundwork for the sixth-generation mobile network, the city plans to achieve 50% 6G coverage by 2035, 80% by 2040, and full 100% coverage by 2045. -
Digital Skills Training:
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By 2025, 100% of city-level civil servants and 80% of commune-level officials will have completed basic digital skills training.
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By 2030, all public officials and civil servants are expected to master digital tools and apply them effectively in their daily work.
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Additionally, by the end of 2025, at least 80% of the adult population will have access to key digital public services in healthcare, education, insurance, and transportation.
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Building a Thriving Innovation Ecosystem and Supporting Tech Enterprises
To support its digital and scientific development goals, Ho Chi Minh City will implement a wide range of legal, financial, and policy reforms to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship:
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Policy Reform:
Review and revise existing regulations to remove institutional bottlenecks and offer tax and legal incentives for R&D, startups, and digital transformation. -
Funding and Investment Tools:
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Establishment of various innovation-focused funds, such as:
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The Science and Technology Development Fund
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The Innovation Support Fund
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A Startup Investment Fund (subject to legal conditions)
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Pilot a government-backed venture capital fund to finance high-tech enterprises, startups, and the commercialization of scientific research.
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Public Funding Prioritization:
Allocate significant public budget to key science and digital transformation projects, while actively encouraging public-private partnerships (PPPs) to build innovation infrastructure.
E-Government and Administrative Reform
The plan also outlines a major push toward digital governance and administrative efficiency:
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Digitize and automate public services to reduce bureaucracy and processing time.
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Expand high-quality online public services accessible across geographical boundaries.
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Support tech businesses and startups with access to land, capital, skilled labor, and innovation-friendly policies.
Looking Ahead: Becoming a Regional Innovation Powerhouse
With a comprehensive roadmap and strong government commitment, Ho Chi Minh City is positioning itself to become Southeast Asia’s leading center for technology, innovation, and digital economy.
Observers note that, if successfully implemented, the city could emerge as "Vietnam’s Silicon Valley", playing a pivotal role in the global innovation ecosystem.
