Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính with fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue forces at the forum. — VNA/VNS Photos Dương Giang

HCM CITY — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has urged the nation to foster a deep-rooted awareness and consistent practice of fire prevention and disaster preparedness, alongside accelerating digital transformation to safeguard lives, property, and the economy.

Speaking yesterday at the forum for Dialogue with Businesses on Fire Prevention, Rescue, Security, Safety and Digital Transformation for Socio-Economic Development, held in conjunction with the 2025 International Exhibition on Fire Prevention, Rescue and Security Equipment in HCM City, the PM praised the Ministry for leading a “meaningful and timely programme.”

He highlighted that, under the leadership of the Party and State, and through the combined efforts of ministries, local authorities and specialised forces, Việt Nam has made significant progress in fire prevention and rescue.

Achievements include stronger legal frameworks, improved readiness, extensive public education campaigns, major investments in infrastructure and equipment and enhanced international cooperation, including overseas missions.

Despite progress, PM Chính said there were still shortcomings, noting that leadership and enforcement in some areas remained ineffective, with instances of lax management allowing non-compliant construction. Penalties for violations were still insufficiently deterrent, public awareness and rescue skills were generally low and some enterprise and household leaders were complacent about fire safety.

To address these issues, he outlined nine key tasks. These include treating prevention as the strategic priority; strengthening public education; streamlining and digitising administrative procedures; decentralising responsibilities to local levels; boosting research, innovation and adoption of advanced technology; expanding international cooperation; and developing comprehensive safety manuals for the public.

He also called for tighter coordination between State agencies, businesses and communities.

“Fire prevention and rescue are essential for ensuring safety, maintaining public trust and creating the conditions for sustainable socio-economic development,” he said.

Fires still a costly threat

Figures from the Ministry of Public Security show that in the past five years, Việt Nam recorded more than 17,600 fires, averaging over 3,000 incidents annually. These caused 560 deaths, injured 606 people and resulted in nearly VNĐ4 trillion (over US$152.2 million) in property damage.

PM Chính visits the 2025 International Exhibition on Fire Prevention, Rescue, and Security Equipment.

Deputy Minister Senior Lieutenant General Lê Văn Tuyến stressed the urgent need to apply science and technology to enhance safety and rescue capabilities. The forum, he said, serves as a bridge for experience-sharing and problem-solving, while exploring technological and digital solutions to boost socio-economic development.

Director of the Fire and Rescue Police Department Lieutenant General Nguyễn Tuấn Anh reported that administrative procedures in the sector have been cut from 37 to nine, a 75.67 per cent reduction, with all now processed online at level 4.

Processing times have also been shortened - the longest from 15 to 10 working days, and the shortest to five working days. Technical standards are being revised to ensure safety while lowering compliance costs for businesses.

Holding the forum alongside the exhibition created a synergy, linking policy discussions with real-world innovations to help decision-makers match fire safety goals with the tools to achieve them.

The exhibition has attracted 480 leading domestic and international companies and brands from 17 countries and territories. Exhibitors are showcasing a wide range of advanced technologies and equipment, from smart fire detection and alarm systems to protective gear, rescue tools and integrated command-and-control platforms.

Notable participants include the Global Technology - Telecommunications Corporation (GTEL), a key security technology enterprise under the Ministry of Public Security, which has developed a nationwide fire incident reporting network linking more than 400 local rescue teams, expected to go operational in September.

GTEL also produces interlinked residential fire alarms, UAVs for reconnaissance and rescue and other specialised devices.

CT UAV, part of the CT Group technology corporation, is presenting two specialised UAV models capable of early fire detection in high-risk areas and direct intervention in hard-to-reach locations. These drones can help shorten response times, improve firefighting effectiveness and enhance community safety.

International exhibitors from countries such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore and China are also introducing solutions including risk monitoring, big-data-based incident prediction, high-performance firefighting vehicles and advanced personal protective equipment.

International delegates at the forum.

Alongside the exhibition, the forum provided a platform for ministries, businesses and international organisations to exchange experiences, identify obstacles in implementing fire safety regulations and discuss practical solutions. 

PM Chính expressed confidence that the exhibition and forum would give new impetus to Việt Nam’s fire prevention, rescue and safety work, making it more effective, modern and responsive and ultimately contributing to a safer, more prosperous and happier society. — VNS