As the global landscape shifts with geopolitical tensions, technological rivalries, and climate challenges, Vietnam finds itself at a pivotal moment. These disruptions, while daunting, also present an unprecedented opportunity for the nation to leverage its strengths and adapt, potentially transforming into a modern, self-reliant knowledge-based economy. The key lies in harnessing internal strengths and making strategic choices.
Vietnam’s central location in Southeast Asia, coupled with its flexible diplomacy and cooperative spirit, positions it uniquely to capitalize on these global changes. However, the path forward requires a clear-headed strategy that builds resilient domestic foundations. Agriculture, which supports over 60% of the population, is a logical starting point. Vietnam’s advantages are substantial: vast arable land, diverse climates, and a range of leading export products. Yet, challenges such as soil degradation, inadequate crop research, and climate change threaten these advantages.
To address these issues, Vietnam must embrace smart agriculture, integrating digital technologies like IoT, AI, and blockchain. In Lam Dong, advanced farming technologies have already increased yields by 40%, while in the Mekong Delta, smart sensors have reduced water and fertilizer use significantly, boosting rice yields. Blockchain technology can enhance traceability, opening doors to high-end export markets and increasing product value. If agricultural productivity grows by just 10% annually, Vietnam’s GDP growth could accelerate to nearly 10% within a few years.
Smart agriculture is intrinsically linked to high technology, a sector where Vietnam is making strides. The IT sector contributed approximately 14% of Vietnam’s GDP in 2024, with software exports reaching USD 7 billion. Vietnam’s youthful demographic, with strong math skills and rapid tech adoption, further supports this growth. AI, drones, and big data are already modernizing agriculture and paving the way for a knowledge-based economy.
However, technology and smart agriculture alone are not enough. Vietnam needs a value-synergized ecosystem that integrates land, genetics, technology, training, finance, market access, and policy. This ecosystem must support high-quality soil and crop varieties, sustainable biotech, smart agri-tech, a digitally skilled workforce, flexible financing, and digitalized supply chains. Government policy must foster cooperation among farmers, businesses, and startups, promoting high-tech agricultural zones, innovation incubators, and digital skill training.
Deep processing and specialty exports are also crucial. Establishing research hubs in the Red River and Mekong Deltas can help Vietnam move beyond raw produce exports to premium processed foods. Companies like Nafoods and Vinamit exemplify this potential, exporting processed agricultural products to over 70 and 20 countries, respectively. These success stories underscore the immense potential of deep processing and brand-building for Vietnamese agricultural products on the global stage.
Vietnam stands at a historic crossroads. The path forward requires a commitment to independence and self-reliance, building from within through smart agriculture, high technology, deep processing, and a value-synergized ecosystem. This is not a distant dream but an achievable future, as seen in the trajectories of South Korea, Taiwan, and other developed nations. The time to act is now, with resolve and strategic foresight.
