Making digital economy a new growth driver

With the orientation of taking science, technology, innovation and digital transformation as the pillars of development, Lao Cai province is gradually realizing the goal of making the digital economy an important driving force to promote rapid and sustainable growth, improve productivity, quality and competitiveness of the economy.

One of the outstanding results in Lao Cai 's digital transformation journey is the "Digital Border Gate" platform at International Road Border Gate No. II (Kim Thanh).

Mr. Vuong Trinh Quoc - Head of the Lao Cai Economic Zone Management Board said: Now, businesses can register their import and export vehicles on the software system. AI cameras will read license plates and sensors will automatically operate to allow vehicles to enter the border gate area.

Put into operation since the end of 2023, this platform has brought about outstanding results such as: Shortening the customs clearance time at barrier No. 1 from 4 to 6 minutes to less than 2 minutes, helping businesses save time, reduce logistics costs, increase competitiveness; improve cargo clearance capacity. The digital border gate platform of the Lao Cai Provincial Economic Zone Management Board has just been honored to receive the Vietnam Digital Transformation Award 2025 in the category of "Excellent digital transformation state agency".

Mr. Vuong Trinh Quoc - Head of Lao Cai Provincial Economic Zone Management Board received the award.
Photo: Minh Duc.

Along with the success in building digital border gates, towards smart border gates, in the period of 2021 - 2025, Lao Cai province has achieved many outstanding results in developing digital infrastructure and e-government.

The information technology system at state agencies has been upgraded synchronously with 80% of documents exchanged in electronic form; online video conferences are connected to the commune level, helping to save costs and increase operational efficiency.

Specialized databases are gradually integrated through the province's data sharing platform, forming a "digital backbone" for e-government and smart cities.

In the period of 2026 - 2030, Lao Cai province sets a goal of making a breakthrough in developing modern, safe and synchronous digital infrastructure, science and technology infrastructure; forming an innovation and creative startup ecosystem associated with the province's key economic sectors and fields. Strongly developing the digital economy, aiming for a knowledge-based economy on the basis of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

Lao Cai strives that by 2030, 100% of industrial parks, clusters, economic zones, and key tourist areas will have 5G coverage; 100% of villages, hamlets, and residential groups will provide fixed broadband Internet services; the proportion of e-commerce in total retail sales will reach over 30%; the rate of cooperatives using digital platforms in management, production, and business will reach over 70%; 100% of enterprises will use electronic contracts and put OCOP products and key agricultural products on e-commerce platforms; 100% of the province's key economic sectors will have experts trained in digital economics in each sector and field...

To achieve the set goals, the province focuses on perfecting institutions and policies, creating a favorable legal corridor for the development of digital economy, science - technology and innovation, while at the same time innovating state management methods, shifting from equipment investment to service rental, and linking the responsibility of leaders with implementation results.

Besides, the province also promotes the role of domestic and foreign intellectuals and experts, and encourages the formation of innovation investment funds and technology venture funds.

Small and medium enterprises have proactively applied digital technology to access the market.

Along with that, human resource development is considered key, with the orientation of training digital skills, creative entrepreneurship skills for students and the community, especially in remote areas. Strengthen domestic and international cooperation, promote propaganda, raise awareness of science and technology, ensure network safety and security; gradually build a dynamic, creative local image, ready for the digital age.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/dua-kinh-te-so-thanh-dong-luc-tang-truong-moi-post884479.html