Vietnam: Harnessing Technology to Drive Smart Rural Transformation
6 October 2025 – OpenGov Asia
Vietnam is making significant strides in transforming its rural areas into smart, modern communities by integrating advanced technology, sustainable development, and community-centric initiatives. Having completed the foundational stages of new-style rural development across numerous localities, the country is now elevating its objectives to foster more connected, efficient, and livable rural environments.
Advancing Smart Rural Development in Giao Ninh Commune
A notable example of Vietnam’s commitment to smart rural transformation is Giao Ninh Commune in the Ninh Binh Province. Formed from the merger of Giao Phong, Giao Thinh, and Quat Lam Town, Giao Ninh now boasts an average annual income exceeding 100 million VND (approximately US$4,170) per person. Selected as one of nine pilot communes for smart rural development by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Giao Ninh has secured a substantial investment of 11 billion VND (around US$458,000). This funding is sourced equally from central and provincial budgets, with the remainder provided by the local government.
Central to the commune’s vision is the creation of a robust digital government framework. Following administrative reforms and the institution of a two-tier local government system, Giao Ninh has launched several technology-driven initiatives:
- Public Administrative Service Centre: Streamlines citizen services and administrative procedures.
- Smart Classrooms and Digital Library: Enhances educational quality and promotes digital literacy among students.
- Intelligent Camera Network: Improves public security, traffic management, and surveillance at key road junctions.
- Remote Healthcare Consultation Platform: Broadens access to medical advice and supports healthcare delivery.
Deputy Director Pham Huu Ngoc emphasized the effectiveness of these digital solutions in simplifying administrative tasks. Special attention is given to assisting elderly residents unfamiliar with technology, ensuring inclusive participation. Resident Mai Thi Ngoc highlighted the impact by recounting how her land-use certificate transfer process was expedited through digital support and personalized staff guidance.
Teachers and educators have embraced technology, with Deputy Principal Nguyen Van Canh confirming that instructors are well-trained and actively incorporate smart classroom tools into their teaching. Vice Chairwoman Vu Phuong Nhung noted that the operational two-tier system enables residents to concentrate more on production and economic growth.
Provincial and National Support for Smart Rural Initiatives
At the provincial level, Le Hong Duc, Deputy Chief of the Ninh Binh Provincial New-Style Rural Areas Coordination Office, revealed plans to review and officially recognize communes that meet model new-style rural standards for the 2021–2025 period. The province is also preparing leadership frameworks for the 2026–2030 phase. A key focus remains on expanding the One Commune, One Product (OCOP) program, which currently features 980 products rated three stars or higher.
Across Vietnam, community digital technology groups and comprehensive internet coverage — reaching 100% of communes — are helping reduce the rural digital divide. This connectivity supports balanced economic advancement and technology integration in rural economies.
Experts point out that smart rural development is reshaping agricultural trade and logistics by implementing local processing and preservation facilities, linking production directly to markets, reducing post-harvest losses, and boosting product value. The emergence of “smart farmers” is pivotal in driving this transformation.
Emphasizing Quality, Creativity, and Local Identity
Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan underscored the necessity of adapting national standards to local contexts, prioritizing quality over quantity. He stressed that creativity and respect for local characteristics should underpin development efforts, incorporating cultural, social, and economic dimensions at the commune level.
Dr. Dang Kim Son called for the establishment of mechanisms to encourage rural residents to return and contribute to their communities, fostering growth in rural enterprises, services, OCOP products, and tourism.
The Role of Science, Technology, and Policy Support
Central coordination offices continue to highlight science, technology, and digital transformation as critical drivers in agriculture, vocational training, and rural economic development. Ngo Truong Son, Chief of the Central New-Style Rural Areas Coordination Office, pointed out the importance of adopting modern breeding methods, advanced cultivation techniques, smart equipment, and digital commerce platforms. These innovations are vital for sustaining growth, enhancing livelihoods, and ensuring rural communities thrive in a modern economy.
Looking Towards 2030 and Beyond
Vietnam aims to have at least 80% of its communes meet new-style rural area standards by 2030, with many reaching advanced and modern classifications. Through sustained policy backing, technological integration, and local community engagement, the country is poised to build more liveable rural areas where tradition harmonizes with innovation, cultural identity is preserved, and technology serves as a foundation for sustainable rural prosperity.
This article is part of OpenGov Asia’s coverage on Education, Digital Economy, Innovation, and Smart Nation initiatives in Southeast Asia.
