Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang has named the three main issues needed to help create breakthroughs for the central and central highlands region in sustainable development, green growth, and digital transformation.

He did so while delivering a speech to the Vietnam Connect 2023 forum co-hosted in central Da Nang city on March 17 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, VnEconomy / Vietnam Economic Times, and the Da Nang City People’s Committee.

Firstly, based on lessons and international experience, evaluating advantages and difficulties as well as opportunities and challenges facing Vietnam and the central and central highlands region in promoting green growth and digital transformation towards sustainable development at localities.

Secondly, proposing solutions that are feasible and suitable with the situation, conditions, and priorities of Vietnam and cities and provinces in the central and central highlands region to support localities and businesses in attracting both domestic and foreign resources to meet targets in developing the green economy and the digital economy, digital transformation, and sustainable growth.

And thirdly, proposing specific programs and projects in priority fields for businesses, localities, and foreign partners to study cooperation and implementation possibilities in the future.

During the process of implementing targets in sustainable development, green growth, and digital transformation for the region, the Vietnamese Government seeks support and effective cooperation from countries and territories, international organizations, and domestic and foreign businesses, Deputy Prime Minister Quang said.

The government and localities will create favorable conditions for partners and businesses to identify opportunities and implement cooperative activities while working together to deal with emerging difficulties and obstacles, he added.

The forum will make an important contribution to creating breakthroughs in promoting rapid, green, and sustainable growth in region.

He also noted that the global situation is changing rapidly and unexpectedly, presenting both opportunities and challenges. More difficulties have also emerged recently. Covid-19 had severe consequences, and the global economy has experienced a decline in growth. Global issues such as climate change, food security, and energy security have continued to become more pressing.

Vietnam’s socio-economic development strategy during the 2021-2030 period states that sustainable development is now common around the world and the digital economy, the circular economy, and green growth are models selected by many countries, he said.

The Vietnamese Government has actively implemented the national strategy on green growth during the 2021-2030 period with a vision towards 2050 and the national strategy on digital economy and digital society development by 2025 with a vision towards 2030.

Of note, Vietnam has made a number of commitments on sustainable development, including a commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 with nearly 150 countries; a commitment with more than 100 countries on reducing global methane emission by 2030; joining the Glasgow Declaration with 140 countries on forests and land use; and joining the global coal to clean power transition statement with 48 countries.

Vietnam has also posted many positive results in digital transformation and developing the digital economy, according to Deputy Prime Minister Quang.

Its digital economy has recorded average growth of 38 per cent each year, and in 2022 posted a value of around $23 billion.

With such results, Vietnam ranked second in the world in digital economic growth, after India, and its digital economy is growing at the fastest pace in Southeast Asia. Google and Temasek have forecast that the value of its digital economy could reach $49 billion by 2025 and $120-200 billion by 2030.