The "Smart Village" model ensures safety and order in rural areas.

Three pillars

To implement digital transformation in rural areas, in 2021, the People's Committee of the province (now Hue City) piloted the "Smart Commune" model in Quang Tho commune (formerly), now part of Quang Dien commune, with the determination to perfect e-government at the commune level and move towards digital government, supporting smarter operation of commune-level administration. At the same time, it aimed to ensure social welfare and security in rural areas; apply science and technology to serve production, develop high-tech agriculture , increase the value of agricultural products, and expand online transactions.

According to Mr. Le Thanh Nam, Deputy Chief of the City's New Rural Development Coordination Office, Quang Tho commune (formerly) is one of six communes nationwide and the only one in Hue selected by the Central Government as a pilot model for the "Smart New Rural Commune" program in May 2023. To date, the program has achieved very positive results, contributing to improving the lives of the people. This model is built on three main pillars: digital government, which means enhancing management efficiency, transparency of information, and providing convenient public services for the people; the digital economy , focusing on applying technology to increase the value of agricultural products, develop e-commerce, and rural tourism; and the digital society, aiming to improve people's access to high-quality healthcare, education, and cultural services.

The most significant highlight in Quang Tho (formerly) in Quang Dien commune is the successful establishment of an efficient e-government at the commune level, moving towards digital governance. Notably, this includes the operation of a smart monitoring and control room equipped with modern facilities such as computers and large screens for online meetings, conferences, and monitoring; the implementation of digital reporting to the Government Office for administrative procedure control, and other reporting systems as required. 100% of state management activities utilize electronic documents with digital signatures, and 100% of online public services are provided through the internet. This is considered the "digital brain" of the locality, enabling leaders to monitor, direct, and make decisions quickly. A fiber optic internet system has been installed throughout the area, with 9 free public Wi-Fi hotspots, making it easy for residents to access information. The entire commune has installed 31 security cameras, which serve both to monitor security and order, traffic safety, and as a "watchful eye" to provide early warning of flooding during the rainy season.

According to Nguyen Anh Cau, Chairman of the People's Committee of Quang Dien commune, digital transformation has created new momentum for the local agricultural economy, especially for key products. 70% of businesses, cooperatives, and households apply information technology in their production, business, and service provision activities, accessing and participating in electronic transactions online and applying online payment solutions. The commune has also installed an air and water environmental monitoring system to provide data for more efficient agricultural production. It manages and digitizes product production processes, raw material areas, members, and traceability. Many high-tech agricultural models, applying mechanization and value chain linkages, have been implemented and developed by the people, bringing high incomes ranging from 250 to 350 million VND/hectare/year…

Replicating the model

The former Quang Tho commune was recognized as achieving advanced new rural standards in 2024 and is gradually asserting its position as a typical "Smart Commune" model, creating a foundation for replication throughout the city. According to Mr. Le Thanh Nam, the success in Quang Tho is only the beginning. The major challenge ahead is operating, maintaining, and continuously improving this model so that it truly "lives" and brings sustainable value. This is a long road, requiring significant resources in terms of human resources, finance, and technology. Therefore, the unit is coordinating with the People's Committee of Quang Dien commune and relevant agencies to research and develop a sustainable operation and development strategy from the outset, to continue implementing and expanding this model to the entire (new) Quang Dien commune in particular and other communes of the city in general.

Lessons learned from the implementation of the "Smart Rural Village" model emphasize that digital transformation should begin with the practical needs of the people and bring them tangible benefits. Therefore, a forum is needed for localities to share experiences and successful lessons in building smart villages and communes. Simultaneously, it is necessary to encourage economic development and the transfer of appropriate and affordable technological solutions to developing rural areas; establish common standards for traceability and food safety so that agricultural products from smart villages and communes can be easily traded; and organize training programs and online courses on digital skills for farmers and rural management officials. Through these efforts, the model can be replicated throughout the city.

Text and photos: Ba Tri

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/kinh-te/nong-thon-moi-thong-minh-160386.html