Hanoi unveils visions for smart and sustainable city

Hanoi aims to become a smart city that provides a better life of convenience, utility and security for all people, the capital mayor Tran Sy Thanh said on November 29.

Hanoi mayor Tran Sy Thanh and delegates visit a business counter at the Vietnam-Asia 2023 Smart City Summit on November 29. Photo: Thanh Hai/The Hanoi Times

In his opening remarks at the Vietnam - Asia 2023 Smart City Summit organized in Hanoi’s National Convention Center, Thanh said that Hanoi acknowledges smart and digital transformation as its top priority.

He said that the transformation will improve the quality of living for the people and raise the quality of administration to serve businesses better.

“Hanoi targets to formulate a government for the growth of companies and organizations with a dynamic economic structure, in which the digital economy accounts for a large proportion,” he said.

“Digital transformation will also enhance people’s desire, creativity, and determination for success, thus contributing to a prosperous, happy, and safe life.”

In its development, Hanoi has faced multiple problems, such as maintaining a balance between economic growth with social and cultural values and environmental protection.

The mayor argued that smart devices and solutions will be key to resolving existing issues.

He emphasized that it is essential for Hanoi to learn and absorb the experiences and practices of international friends in technological and digital developments.

“The summit is the opportunity for us to clarify and seek answers for the issues and give us new angles in smart city growth and sustainable development,” Thanh said.

“Hanoi must take the leadership and drive other provinces and cities in green transition and digital transformation by applying the latest technologies,” said Truong Gia Binh, Chairman and CEO of technology and telecom conglomerate FPT Group.

“The capital is not just a smart city for itself. It should be the origin of software, hardware and intelligence to propel smart city growth worldwide,” Binh said.

He suggested that the Hanoi government obtain a particular policy to attract talent from inside and outside the country and that the capital must be the most prominent hub of talent in Vietnam.

Binh said that municipal and local authorities should adopt digital solutions to improve the performance of government officials and agencies, raise the quality of public administrative services, and create a healthier life for the people.

According to Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Huy Dung, a smart city needs a long-term, comprehensive plan that involves all aspects, not just technology.

“It is a matter of how we change our mindset and awareness,” he said. “To achieve the criteria of a smart city, we need to address obstacles and calculate the targets since the early stages of the plan.”

The deputy minister noted that smart city development must come with strong measures to assure digital transformation in its local areas, taking the people as the center of growth.

Digital infrastructures and database centers are the fundamentals of the smart city growth, which will drive others to become smart, he said.

“The process requires positive, resilient participation of government agencies at all levels and all sectors. Today’s summit will be the chance for government officials, business executives and tech specialists to discuss ways to facilitate the growth of a smart city.”

Delegates visit booths at the Vietnam - Asia 2023 Smart City Summit held in Hanoi on November 29-30: