Central Da Nang city is one of three localities leading Vietnam in terms of digital transformation, information security, and e-commerce, Chairman of the city’s People’s Committee Le Trung Chinh told the Vietnam Connect 2023 forum, co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, VnEconomy / Vietnam Economic Times, and the Da Nang City People’s Committee in the city on March 17.

It topped the Digital Transformation Index (DTI) in both 2020 and 2021, was honored as a “State agency with excellent digital transformation” for three consecutive years, in 2020, 2021, and 2022, and was named Best Vietnam Smart City in 2022 for the third time, he added.

The digital economy contributed 17 per cent of the city’s GRDP growth last year.

Implementing Resolution No. 05-NQ/TU and the master plan on digital transformation by 2025 and vision to 2030, in connection with the construction of a smart city and with the three key pillars of digital government, digital economy, and digital society, Da Nang has recorded outstanding achievements and expects its digital economy to contribute 20 per cent of GRDP growth by 2025.

Together with digital transformation, the city will also transition to a green economy and build plans and implement green growth in response to the “National Strategy on Green Growth during the 2011-2020 period with a vision towards 2050”, according to Mr. Chinh.

Resolution No. 43-NQ/TW, issued by the Politburo on January 24, 2019, sets targets of Da Nang increasing its total population to 1.5 million by 2020 and for its GRDP to account for over 2 per cent of national GDP.

The 22nd Party Congress of the city redefined the economic structure, focusing on renewing the growth model, restructuring the economy based on science and technology and innovation, and maximizing advantages from free trade agreements. The circular economy and green growth are considered modern economic models suitable with conditions and resources in Da Nang.

2023 has important meaning, with a focus on unreleasing resources, attracting investment, maintaining economic growth, and ensuring social security. On that foundation, Da Nang will implement models in “comprehensive smart city” and “a city of environmental and green growth”.

Priority will be given to exploiting and creating specific values from digital data to mobilize and unleash new resources; continue speeding up and improving the efficiency of administrative procedure reform, to contribute to improving service quality and administration by local government; supporting urban and mineral resources management; integrating into the ASEAN network of smart cities; and promoting the application of technology from Industry 4.0 for businesses and society towards sustainable and green growth.

“The theme of the Vietnam Connect 2023 forum focuses on green growth and digital transformation in sustainable development strategy,” Mr. Chinh said. “We hope that this will be an opportunity for localities, including Da Nang, to increase links with domestic and foreign businesses and international organizations through open dialogue on opportunities to mobilize resources and experience from both inside and outside of the country to enhance green and sustainable growth.”