Vietnam is currently facing significant economic challenges and opportunities across various sectors, particularly highlighted by the recent crisis among pig farmers due to African swine fever. Amidst these economic trials, Long An province is grappling with energy supply issues, driven by increasing demand, and the nation is also striving to advance its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.
One of the most pressing issues affecting Vietnam's agricultural sector is the impact of African swine fever, which has ravaged the pig population and caused significant economic hardship for farmers. According to Phan Thế Tường, the owner of a pig farming operation near Cần Thơ, "Giá heo hôm nay đã đạt 80 triệu đồng/tấn, tăng đột biến hơn 10% so với tháng trước..." (The price of pork has reached 80 million VND per ton, increasing sharply by more than 10% compared to last month). This unforeseen price hike has left many farmers standing on the sidelines, unable to capitalize on the high prices due to depleted stock. Tường explained, "Nhiều bạn bè cùng nghề với tôi đang không có heo thịt để bán" (Many of my colleagues do not have pork to sell).
The ramifications of this crisis extend beyond individual farmers. The swine fever outbreak led to significant shortages, prompting many farms to suspend operations. Hồ Văn Truyền, another pig farmer from Bến Tre, lamented, "Đứng ngồi không yên, tôi muốn tái đàn lắm nhưng không thể" (I’m restless; I want to replenish my herd, but I can’t). He noted difficulties finding breeding pigs, as prices have surged and availability has dwindled.
Simultaneously, the Long An province has been diligently working to secure its energy requirements to support industrial growth and modernization. Authorities there have set ambitious goals, with projections of achieving economic growth of 8.5 to 9% by 2025. To achieve these goals, energy demand must be increased by 1.5 times, leading to stronger commitments to sustainable and green energy initiatives. Nguyễn Văn Út, the Chairman of Long An's People’s Committee, has stressed the importance of ensuring energy supplies will meet future demands, stating, "Chúng tôi không thể để xảy ra tình trạng thiếu điện trong bất kỳ trường hợp nào" (We cannot allow any situation of electricity shortage to occur).
Long An's mandate includes pushing forward energy-saving measures and infrastructure improvements. This involves not only enhancing the existing power grid but also encouraging residential and commercial investments in renewable energy solutions, particularly solar power. By collaborating with local businesses and communities, they're ensuring readiness and adaptability for future energy needs.
On another frontier, Vietnam is focusing on its AI development strategy to keep up with global advancements and avoid potential technology dependence—what some experts refer to as the risk of being "đô hộ công nghệ" (technologically colonized). According to GS Trần Thanh Long, "Nếu Việt Nam không làm chủ được các công nghệ cốt lõi, nguy cơ bị 'đô hộ công nghệ' là rất lớn" (If Vietnam cannot master core technologies, the risk of being technologically colonized is very high). This sentiment underlines the urgent need for Vietnam to navigate the burgeoning field of AI strategically.
Experts agree on the importance of establishing clear priorities within the AI sector. PGS.TS Nguyễn Ái Việt stated, "Chiến lược AI của các quốc gia trên thế giới có thể chia làm hai nhóm..." (The AI strategies of countries worldwide can be divided so), indicating the necessity for Vietnam to create a strategy focused on leveraging its strengths. Rather than attempting to compete directly with global leaders on broad AI technologies, Vietnam should concentrate on niches like agriculture and healthcare where it already possesses significant demand.
Agriculture stands as one promising area for applying AI technology, particularly through crop monitoring systems and animal health diagnostics, which could greatly aid farmers recovering from difficulties such as the swine fever crisis.
Conclusively, Vietnam’s economic narrative is one of resilience amid adversity. The struggles of its pig farmers show the need for more strategic agricultural practices, where sustainable methods could safeguard against future health crises. Long An’s initiatives reflect proactive governance aimed at securing energy supplies, ensuring the province can meet its economic aspirations. Meanwhile, Vietnam's commitment to advancing technology through AI serves as recognition of the importance of innovation, underscoring the necessity for growth and adaptation across its economic sectors.