The Cần Thơ Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation Week 2025 (CASTID 2025) was held in the city from December 16 to 20, 2025, with more than 60 institutes, universities, businesses, and science and technology organisations from within and beyond the city attending, and over 500 products, solutions and technologies being showcased. — VNA/VNS Photo

CẦN THƠ — Cần Thơ has approved a plan to boost science, technology, innovation, and digitalisation, aiming for these to contribute 17.5 per cent to its economy this year.

The city People’s Committee issued the plan to drive breakthroughs across these areas, identifying them as key pillars of fast and sustainable socio-economic growth.

To achieve its goals, the Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta city will focus on developing digital infrastructure, targeting over 70 per cent 5G coverage and ensuring more than 80 per cent of households have access to high-speed fibre-optic broadband of 1Gb/s.

It also hopes to remain among the top 10 localities in the country’s Provincial Innovation Index.

In terms of resources, at least 1 per cent of total budget spending will be allocated to science, technology and innovation.

All officials and public employees will receive at least basic training to improve the management and operation of digital systems.

The plan highlights comprehensive digital transformation across three pillars – digital governance, digital economy and digital society – with people and businesses at the centre of services.

In terms of digital government, the city targets 100 per cent of administrative procedures related to businesses to be conducted fully online and more than 80 per cent of administrative transactions to be contactless, with all records and results fully digitised.

In terms of the digital economy, the plan targets making it at least 14.5 per cent of the overall economy. The city will promote e-commerce, electronic contracts and non-cash payments, aiming for an 80 per cent adoption rate.

For the digital society, it targets 95 per cent of adults having bank accounts and 95 per cent of all citizens having personal electronic health records.

In education, all schools will adopt digital management platforms and electronic academic records.

The Cần Thơ People’s Committee signed an agreement on digital transformation in 2026–30 with MobiFone Corporation on March 19 to accelerate the development of its digital government, digital economy and digital society. — VNA/VNS Photo

To ensure effective implementation, the People’s Committee has instructed heads of agencies and units to take the lead and be directly responsible for digital transformation outcomes in their sectors and localities.

The city will prioritise projects with wide impact in healthcare, education, agriculture, tourism, and smart urban governance.

Alongside public funding, it encourages public-private partnership models to invest in digital infrastructure and innovation centres.

Political and social organisations, especially the Youth Union, are urged to play a key role in “community digital technology groups” and “digital literacy campaigns.”

The plan marks a concrete step in implementing the Politburo’s Resolution No. 57 issued in December 2024, creating momentum for Cần Thơ to become a smart, modern and sustainable city. — VNS