Ho Chi Minh City (Ba Ria - Vung Tau Area): Digital transformation as a launchpad for businesses

According to Mr. Do Huu Hien, former Director of the Department of Information and Communications (former Ba Ria - Vung Tau province), digital transformation is not merely about applying IT to current processes, but a comprehensive revolution in mindset, business models, and operational methods. The ultimate goal is to create new value, optimize efficiency, improve service quality, and especially enhance the competitiveness of the local business community.

Numerous Incentives for High-Tech Investment Projects

To build a strong digital economy, attracting investors in technology and innovation is one of the top priorities for Ho Chi Minh City (Ba Ria - Vung Tau area).

The city has been creating a favorable investment environment with attractive policies and modern infrastructure to welcome the wave of technology investment. These include: special incentives for high-tech and innovative projects such as corporate income tax reductions/exemptions, land lease exemptions, and support for workforce training costs.

In addition, the local government is committed to simplifying administrative procedures, shortening the investment licensing time, and creating the most favorable conditions for tech enterprises to quickly go into operation. These moves demonstrate the authorities’ strong determination to build a transparent, open business environment that fosters innovation.

A solid digital infrastructure is a prerequisite for technology investors to feel secure in developing their business. Ho Chi Minh City (Ba Ria - Vung Tau area) is investing in building modern data centers, expanding the fibre optic network, and deploying high-speed broadband solutions. In particular, accelerating 5G coverage has been identified as a key task to support the development of advanced technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things), AI (Artificial Intelligence), and cloud computing.

The city also focuses on building and developing a dynamic innovation ecosystem, including IT zones, tech incubators, and R&D centers. The goal is to foster close collaboration between government, businesses, research institutes, and universities, thereby promoting the birth of new business ideas and breakthrough tech products and services.

Digital Transformation – Enhancing Business Efficiency

For the business community, digital transformation brings extremely practical benefits, optimizing all aspects of operations. In manufacturing, DX allows enterprises to build smart factories with automation, robotics, and IoT systems for real-time production monitoring. This not only improves productivity and reduces human errors but also enables big data analysis to forecast market demand, optimize supply chains, and manage energy efficiently.

In the seaport and logistics sectors, applying electronic port management systems, warehouse management software, and traceability solutions helps shorten processing times, reduce transportation costs, and improve transparency across the supply chain.

The tourism industry—one of Ho Chi Minh City's (Ba Ria - Vung Tau area) strengths—has also greatly benefited from DX. The use of online booking platforms, AI-powered customer service chatbots, and mobile apps offering smart travel information makes it easier for tourists to plan, experience services, and interact with providers. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also helps tourism businesses collect valuable data to personalize services and create more unique and attractive travel products.

DX enables businesses—especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—to overcome geographical barriers and access global markets. Through e-commerce, digital marketing, and B2B platforms, products from Ho Chi Minh City (Ba Ria - Vung Tau area) can be easily introduced and distributed to consumers and partners worldwide. High-tech agriculture also benefits from applying solutions such as QR code traceability, allowing products to sell at higher value and build consumer trust.

A Boost for Digital Transformation

Understanding the initial challenges that businesses—especially SMEs—may face when embarking on digital transformation, the Ho Chi Minh City (Ba Ria - Vung Tau area) government has implemented many practical and effective support programs.

The city has been establishing support funds and financial incentive programs to help businesses secure initial capital for acquiring technology, software, and equipment. Alongside this, training programs in digital skills and DX knowledge for managers and staff are regularly held. Training content focuses on areas such as cybersecurity, data analysis, digital marketing, and modern enterprise management tools.

One notable initiative is the development of an integrated digital platform acting as a “bridge” between businesses and tech solution providers. This platform provides information on industry-specific tech solutions, lists of consultants, and successful DX models for enterprises to reference.

Ho Chi Minh City (Ba Ria - Vung Tau area) has also established dedicated advisory teams ready to assist businesses in need.

At the same time, pilot DX projects are being implemented in key sectors such as seaports, tourism, and high-tech agriculture. These projects not only give participating businesses hands-on experience but also serve as role models demonstrating the effectiveness of DX—thus creating a ripple effect that encourages other businesses to boldly invest.

A Gateway for Businesses to Reach the Global Stage

To maximize the effectiveness of digital transformation, collaboration with domestic and international high-tech enterprises is crucial. Businesses in Ho Chi Minh City (Ba Ria - Vung Tau area) have great opportunities to partner with major Vietnamese tech giants such as FPT, Viettel, and VNPT. These corporations bring extensive experience, strong expert teams, and advanced technological solutions tailored to the province’s key economic sectors. Collaborating with domestic partners not only saves costs but also ensures compatibility and timely technical support.

The city is also striving to attract FDI projects from the world’s leading tech corporations. Their presence brings not only large capital and modern technologies but also opportunities for local enterprises to learn, access advanced management models, and participate in global value chains.

Furthermore, the city actively builds networking channels between local businesses and venture capital funds, tech experts, and international partners through conferences, forums, and exhibitions. The goal is to create an open innovation community where ideas can be exchanged, collaborated on, and developed.

Digital transformation in Ho Chi Minh City (Ba Ria - Vung Tau area) is a long journey that requires effort and unity from both the political system and the business community. With strong direction from the authorities, proactive participation from businesses, and practical support policies, the province is creating a powerful momentum for breakthrough growth. DX not only improves efficiency and competitiveness for individual businesses but also contributes to building a robust digital economy, an efficient digital government, and a civilized digital society.

In the near future, Ho Chi Minh City (Ba Ria - Vung Tau area) has the potential to become one of Vietnam’s leading modern, intelligent coastal economic hubs.