Bac Ninh Targets Top 50 Smart Cities Globally by 2030

Bac Ninh province in northern Vietnam is embarking on a comprehensive transformation with the ambitious goal of becoming one of the world's top 50 smart cities by 2030. As part of a sweeping restructuring to boost efficiency and transparency, the province plans for all state-owned enterprises to adopt modern, digital corporate governance by 2030. This aligns with a vision to establish Bac Ninh as a model green, smart, modern, and affluent city that preserves the Kinh Bac region’s cultural identity, pushing economic expansion in parallel with environmental protection while leaning on sci-tech and innovation as core growth engines. Nationwide, Vietnam is accelerating its digital transformation. A meeting of the Central Steering Committee on science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, chaired by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, marked a new phase in implementing Resolution 57. Furthermore, Vietnam has deployed over 40,000 5G base transceiver stations (BTSs), providing coverage for about 92% of the population, positioning it among the world's fastest countries in this regard. This is a significant achievement compared to many advanced economies, which typically take two to three years to extend 5G coverage to over 80% of their populations. July marked an important milestone in the country's digital transformation journey, with a series of new policies, strategies, and technical standards introduced to support the Law on Digital Transformation and speed up implementation nationwide. Beyond 5G, Vietnam's ultimate goal in the semiconductor industry is not merely to establish a presence but to gradually master high-value, knowledge-intensive segments of the value chain, becoming a key link in the global semiconductor supply chain. This ambition is seen as a launch pad for strengthening the country's competitiveness in artificial intelligence, electronics, and the digital economy. At the provincial level, Hung Yen province has proposed the development of a high-tech park covering approximately 496.1 hectares in Hoan Long and Viet Yen communes. This park is expected to attract high-quality talent and innovation resources from Hanoi, thereby strengthening production and logistics links across the Northern Key Economic Region, including Bac Ninh, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Phu Tho, and Ninh Binh. These efforts in digitalization and innovation are also reflected in the streamlining of administrative procedures, such as registering residence, applying for electronic visas (e-Visa), and obtaining electronic identity accounts, making it easier for foreigners to enter, live, and work in Vietnam. These changes reflect the initial results of implementing the Politburo's Resolution No. 57 and contribute to enhanced convenience for citizens and residents. Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung commended the SEMI Southeast Asia delegation for supporting Vietnamese ministries and agencies in advancing cooperation in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, which he described as key drivers of the country's next phase of economic growth. Bac Ninh's ambitious target signifies Vietnam's strong commitment to accelerating its transition to a digital economy and enhancing its competitiveness on the global stage.