In Ho Chi Minh City, businesses are using technology not only to boost productivity and cut costs, but also to unlock new opportunities.
Across 400 hectares of banana plantations, automated irrigation and environmental monitoring stations now allow one employee with an internet connection to manage watering - a job that previously required 15 workers. Inside the office, AI collects supplier invoices, enters accounting data and compiles export documents from shipping bookings and factory dispatch records, leaving employees to check the final paperwork. For this agricultural producer, the gains are measured in time, staffing and accuracy.
Le Ngoc Long of Lotus Agritech Agriculture Produce JSC said: "AI can capture and enter accounting data with up to 99.99% accuracy. Preparing one set of export documents used to take staff 30 minutes to an hour. AI now completes it in under five minutes. With around ten sets a day, that saves us significant manpower and reduces costly errors."
Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City and neighbouring provinces are helping local producers move onto digital marketplaces. Online stores give products visibility far beyond traditional outlets, while businesses receive training in digital sales, storefront management and customer engagement.
Nguyen Kim Son of Phuc An Company in Tay Ninh Province said: "Working with dynamic young people has helped us reach younger customers and promote our business widely in a very short time."
Nguyen Cam Doan of Thuan Huong Company in Dong Nai City said: "Customers can find us on e-commerce platforms, contact us directly and give us feedback almost immediately."
Across sectors, the push to go digital is part of Ho Chi Minh City's efforts to pursue double-digit growth. Officials say supporting technology startups and helping established firms innovate will be essential.
Tran Trong Tuyen, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science & Technology, said: "Digital technology companies are at the heart of the digital economy. We must nurture innovative startups and help existing businesses innovate and expand their markets. The city will also develop mechanisms to help startups bring their products to market."
Ho Chi Minh City aims for the digital economy to contribute up to 40% of its GRDP by 2030. Under the municipal People's Council's Resolution 22, SMEs can receive subsidies covering 50% of digital solutions costs, capped at 1,500 to 6,500 US dollars annually. This year, the city plans to help 200 businesses with comprehensive digital transformation, creating models for others to follow as it works towards supporting up to 200,000 SMEs by 2030.
