Ho Chi Minh City has announced plans to assist 150,000 to 200,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a goal of having at least 100,000 of them utilize digital technology platforms and digital transformation solutions as part of its SME Digital Transformation Project for 2026–2030.
The initiative, collaboratively initiated by the municipal Department of Science and Technology along with the Ho Chi Minh City Computer Association (HCA), will be carried out using the Digital Business Index (DBI), featuring 200 exemplary enterprises chosen as pilot models for broader adoption.
To establish the groundwork for digital transformation, the city will keep investing in digital infrastructure, broaden 5G coverage throughout industrial parks, export processing zones, and high-tech parks, and enhance businesses' access to laboratories, testing and calibration facilities, open data, and scientific and technological resources.
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Simultaneously, the city will streamline policies regarding financial aid, advisory services, and the implementation of digital solutions to enable businesses to more easily access resources for digital transformation. It also aims to create a network of a minimum of 500 specialists and consultancy firms focused on digital transformation, while conducting training initiatives on digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and green transformation in accordance with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria.
Nguyen Huu Yen, Deputy Director of the city’s Department of Science and Technology, stated that digital transformation is valuable only if it leads to increased productivity, revenue, and added value for companies. He emphasized that in addition to government support policies, strong collaboration from tech companies, research institutions, universities, and most importantly, the active innovation efforts of businesses themselves is crucial.
He stated that the department will collaborate closely with pertinent organisations to successfully execute the program, fostering new energy for the city's digital economy.
As per the HCA, during the initial days of the programme's initiation, 25 companies had signed up to be part of the Digital Solutions Alliance Network assisting SMEs. The suggested solutions primarily emphasize e-commerce, omnichannel sales, customer relationship management (CRM), and information security, highlighting the increasing need for digital technologies in businesses to enhance operations, boost management efficiency, and reinforce competitiveness.
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Vu Anh Tuan, Vice Chairman of the HCA, stated that effective digital transformation necessitates a complete support ecosystem, which includes facilitating policies, technological resources, expert guidance, along with financial and legal support. In the near future, the HCA will work alongside the Department of Science and Technology to assemble a group of digital transformation consultants and enhance links with technology companies and expert networks to offer appropriate digital solutions for businesses, he mentioned.
During the event, the department formally introduced the Ho Chi Minh City Advisory Board for Enhancing Digital Transformation in SMEs. The board will function as a central hub connecting state management bodies, specialists, and technology companies to advance digital transformation initiatives, enhance digital infrastructure and the innovation ecosystem, as well as offer consulting, workforce education, and digital skills development for the business sector.
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As part of the event, technology companies also presented various digital solutions for managing businesses, production, and commercial operations, focused on optimizing processes, lowering expenses, and improving competitiveness in the digital transformation journey.