The forum showcased technology solutions for Hà Nội's small- and medium-sized enterprises. — VNA/VNS Photos

HÀ NỘI — Hà Nội is encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and e-commerce to boost productivity and help the capital achieve double-digit economic growth this year, officials said on Friday.

AI seen as key to growth

Cù Ngọc Trang, director of the municipal Department of Science and Technology, said the city's gross regional domestic product (GRDP) expanded 8.22 per cent in the first half of 2026, the fastest pace in years, but would need growth of 13.44 per cent in the second half to meet its annual target.

Speaking at the 2026 Hà Nội Economic Forum, themed 'AI and e-commerce: Enabling Double-digit Growth for Hà Nội's Small and Medium-sized Enterprises', Trang said that breakthrough goals could not be achieved through conventional methods. They required new productive capacity created through science, technology and innovation.

Hà Nội also aims for the digital economy to account for 22 per cent of GRDP this year, up from 16.7 per cent in the first half.

Trang said the targets presented both a challenge and an opportunity for the business community, adding that Hà Nội could only achieve double-digit economic growth if its businesses, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which account for 98 per cent of firms in the capital, also recorded double-digit growth.

Hà Nội had more than 11,000 digital technology firms, over 1,000 startups and 221 science and technology enterprises, giving it a strong foundation to accelerate digital transformation, Trang said.

He added that stronger links between technology providers and SMEs would be needed to translate those advantages into broader AI adoption.

Embracing digital transformation

Mạc Quốc Anh, vice president and general secretary of HANOISME delivered his speech at the forum.

Mạc Quốc Anh, vice president and general secretary of the Hanoi Small and Medium Enterprises Association (HANOISME), said SMEs needed to strengthen policy awareness, accelerate digital transformation, expand access to financing and technology, and improve market access to support sustainable growth.

He urged businesses to better understand and make use of Government policies, while adopting practical digital tools such as management software, e-commerce platforms, digital payments, artificial intelligence and automation to improve productivity and competitiveness.

Anh also urged SMEs to strengthen ties with investors, universities, distributors and technology partners to improve access to capital, expertise and supply chains.

He added that technology adoption would only deliver results if it translated into sales and cash flow, underscoring the importance of connecting e-commerce, logistics, exports and distribution channels with business demand.

Anh called on authorities to continue removing regulatory bottlenecks and urged banks, investment funds, large corporations and technology firms to develop financing and technology solutions better suited to the scale and cash flow of SMEs.

Representatives from technology companies, banks and consulting firms shared practical approaches to digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) adoption during the forum.

Nguyễn Chiến Thắng, director of the Development Centre at Saigon-Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SHB), said businesses should first assess their current capabilities, define their objectives and develop a clear roadmap before deploying AI.

He said AI should be implemented across three levels: tools to improve individual employee productivity, AI integrated into business processes to improve operational efficiency, and autonomous AI systems capable of analysing information, making decisions and carrying out tasks.

Thắng said companies should also tailor their investment expectations to different AI projects. Applications aimed at improving productivity might not generate immediate financial returns, while process optimisation projects should have measurable returns on investment.

He added that broader AI-driven transformation would require a long-term strategy rather than expectations of quick profits.

HANOISME's follow-up plan

Experts provide advice on applying artificial intelligence to SMEs.

HANOISME also announced a post-forum action plan aimed at helping SMEs adopt AI, digital technologies and e-commerce.

Under the plan, the association will establish a central contact point to receive requests from businesses on technology, AI, e-commerce, intellectual property, financing and market access.

It will also organise regular business matching programmes linking SMEs with corporations, banks, investment funds and distributors, while maintaining advisory teams on digital transformation, science and technology, finance and product commercialisation.

The association said it would track the programme's progress over 30, 60 and 100 days. During the first week, participating businesses will be classified according to their support needs before receiving targeted assistance. Follow-up activities will include consulting sessions, business matching events and reviews of companies' access to financing, digital transformation projects and technology adoption.

HANOISME said it would publish an evaluation report after 100 days, measuring indicators including the number of businesses supported, successful business connections, credit applications processed, technology solutions adopted and the economic value generated.

The association also said it would hold its next economic forum on August 21 to review progress on the initiative, expand links between SMEs and technology, financial and distribution partners, and identify successful models that could be replicated.

Separately, as part of its broader digital transformation efforts, Hà Nội has introduced a regulatory framework for managing its Digital Investment Map, a data platform intended to centralise information on investment projects, improve inter-agency coordination and support investment promotion.

The Hanoi Department of Finance has been designated to develop, manage and operate the platform, including administering the system, managing administrator accounts and granting participating agencies user access in line with operational requirements. — VNS