A view of downtown HCM City along the Sài Gòn River. The city is mobilising all resources to make science and innovation the primary engines for double-digit economic growth. — VNS Photo Nguyễn Diệp

HCM CITY — HCM City is set to mobilise all possible resources to make science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation the primary engines for double-digit economic growth.

This objective is central to Directive No. 10-CT/TW, recently issued by its Party Committee, which outlines orientations to accelerate the city's tech-driven development goals.

The Party Committee’s Standing Committee has directed Party cells and authorities at all levels to adopt the motto "Breakthrough Action, Radiating Results" so that work cultures shifts from plan-based methods to a focus on substantive goals and products.

It said agency heads need to update action plans with a clear "five-clear" principle: clear people, clear tasks, clear timeframes, clear responsibilities, and clear products.

Technological application and digitalisation results will now be mandatory criteria for annual performance reviews, emulation rankings and personnel appointments.

The city aims to ensure all policies and digital platforms directly serve the needs of citizens and businesses, using their satisfaction as the yardstick for success.

The city aims to reduce the costs of stationery, printing and physical archiving by 30-50 per cent this year.

Success in cutting administrative overheads and the effective use of digital data will be key metrics in evaluating the performance of state agencies.

The Party Committee has tasked the city People’s Committee with implementing Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on national breakthroughs in science and technology.

Digital economy is expected to contribute around 15 per cent to the city’s economy.

The city plans to spend 4-5 per cent of its budget on science, technology and innovation, with digital transformation remaining a top priority.

It will leverage big data and shared digital platforms to tackle urgent urban issues, including traffic congestion, flooding, environmental pollution, and the "Civilised City - Drug-Free" initiative.

HCM City will focus on several flagship projects to foster innovation., including a Concentrated Digital Technology Park as a hub for the semiconductor industry, and the 1,000-hectare Northern Science and Tech Urban Area.

The city operates smart infrastructure based on GIS, digital twin, and IoT technologies.

High-performance computing infrastructure will support modern urban management.

The city is pioneering "sandbox" zones for drones to improve logistics.

Low-altitude economy initiatives will enhance urban surveillance through drone technology.

To manage comprehensively, the city plans to establish a City Data Exchange through public-private partnerships, creating a transparent and legal marketplace for data.

The planned digital twin platform will integrate spatial data ranging from underground to aerial with real-time sensors to simulate and manage urban operations. — VNS