On March 3, 2025, the city of Hanoi took a significant step forward by announcing the issuance of shared digital transformation applications across three levels of its political structure, including Party agencies, government bodies, and socio-political organizations. This move, spearheaded by Nguyen Van Phong, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, aims to create fundamental momentum for the city's development.
During the launch, Nguyen Van Phong stated, "Deployment of digital transformation applications will create important momentum for development," highlighting the strategic importance of such initiatives. The city recognizes digital transformation as key to enhancing management and service delivery for people, organizations, and businesses. The emphasis on digital innovation aligns with the broader objectives set by the Hanoi Party Committee to modernize governance.
Hanoi's proactive approach is grounded by ambitious goals, with aspirations for the digital economy to constitute 30% of its overall economic output by 2025. This objective reflects broader trends observed across the globe, where cities compete to integrate advanced technologies and provide accessible services to their citizens. To achieve this vision, Hanoi is implementing various strategies including the establishment of over 5,034 community digital transformation teams, engaging more than 30,000 members to mobilize local resources effectively.
These teams are not merely about technology; they represent a shift toward decentralized governance. Hanoi has been at the forefront of this approach, having transferred 597 administrative procedures from the city level down to local departments, branches, districts, and towns, thereby streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency. Nguyen Van Phong noted, "Digital transformation is key in management and service for people, organizations, and businesses," which indicates the intended comprehensive reach of these efforts.
According to recent rankings, Hanoi has consolidated its position as the leader of Vietnam's information technology industry index, marking its strength and strategic importance within the sector. Impressively, the city has maintained the second position for the Vietnam e-commerce index for seven consecutive years, underlining its sustained commitment to enhancing digital commerce.
Further solidifying its position, Hanoi leads the electronic governance index and is ranked first on the local-level innovation index (PII) as of 2024, as reported by the Ministry of Science and Technology. These accomplishments reflect the city’s hard work and planning, contributing to its overarching ambition of becoming a hub for science, technology, and digital transformation.
This endeavor is not without challenges. Nguyen Van Phong acknowledged the obstacles yet to be overcome, emphasizing the desire for continued support from central government organizations. The city hopes for the development and introduction of specific policies and mechanisms suited to its unique role as Vietnam's political and economic center. "Hanoi aims for 30% of its economy to be digital by 2025," he reiterated, underscoring the urgency and dedication behind these initiatives.
Hanoi's administrators are committed to fostering engagement among local organizations and citizens, encouraging participation as a means to build a comprehensive digital society. The city is particularly focused on generating more awareness around digital transformation impacts among both public and private sectors.
Nguyen Van Phong's remarks resonate with the overarching strategy of lean and continued improvement. He asserted, "Digital transformation has no endpoint; it requires continuous effort and strong determination from every level of the political system, particularly those at the helm."
The launch of the collective digital applications is more than just technological advancement; it symbolizes Hanoi's progress toward modern governance. The initiative reflects the city's commitment to developing not only as Vietnam's capital but as a global leader within the realms of technology, innovation, and education. The significance of this launch extends beyond mere applications—it marks another step toward the establishment of smart governance, where every citizen can benefit from the integration of technology at every level of the city administration.
With these determined efforts, Hanoi aims to redefine its identity, positioning itself as the city's new standard—an elegant, harmonious, prosperous capital where public service is prioritized and citizens experience enhanced lives through the advantages offered by technology. The recent advances signify not just the growth of the digital economy but also the greater evolution of public service and community engagement through digital transformation.