Vietnam’s agriculture and environment sector is on the cusp of a transformative era, with science, technology, and digital transformation taking center stage. At a recent workshop in Bac Ninh province, Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy underscored the urgency of this shift, calling for a radical change in mindset and approach. “To change the landscape, we must innovate,” Duy asserted, framing technology and digital transformation not as optional tools but as fundamental pillars of development.
The push for innovation is already underway. Vietnam has made notable progress in integrating technology into agriculture, from high-tech farming and smart livestock management to environmental monitoring through sensors and the creation of digital maps for land, forests, and weather. These advancements, while promising, are just the beginning. The country’s strategic roadmap, outlined in Resolution 57, sets ambitious targets for breakthrough and sustainable development, placing science, technology, and digital transformation at the heart of national progress.
Dr. Phan Xuan Dung, Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations, praised Resolution 57 as “visionary” and in line with global trends. He emphasized that sustainable growth must be built on a strong scientific and technological foundation, adding that Vietnam has the potential to climb into the top 50 in global science and technology competitiveness if current opportunities are seized.
Bac Ninh province is leading the charge in this transformation. Vuong Quoc Tuan, Chairman of the Bac Ninh provincial People’s Committee, highlighted the province’s commitment to high-tech and ecological agriculture. Bac Ninh is actively supporting enterprises, cooperatives, and farmers in adopting modern technologies, fostering public-private partnerships in agricultural R&D, and focusing on cultivating high-yield, climate-resilient crops and livestock. “Science and technology are no longer a choice but a necessity,” Tuan stated, emphasizing their role in boosting productivity, protecting natural resources, and improving living standards.
The province’s vision extends beyond mere technological adoption. Bac Ninh is promoting smart, urban, and experiential agriculture, strengthening linkages between agriculture, trade, services, and tourism, and building strong local brands for high-quality agricultural products. Tuan affirmed that Bac Ninh will provide optimal conditions for applying innovative ideas, research outcomes, and breakthrough technologies.
On a national scale, Vietnam’s digital ambitions are equally bold. Nguyen Phu Tien, Deputy Director of the National Digital Transformation Agency, outlined the country’s goals: by 2030, Vietnam aims to rank among the world’s top 50 in digital government, lead ASEAN in AI research, and develop five world-class tech firms, with the digital economy contributing 30% of GDP. Looking ahead to 2045, the target is for the digital economy to account for 50% of GDP, supported by a robust network of global tech players. “These are high targets, but without ambition, there can be no breakthrough,” Tien remarked, stressing that human capital is central to all transformation efforts.
The implications of this shift are profound. For Vietnam’s agriculture sector, embracing technology and digital transformation means higher productivity, greater sustainability, and improved resilience to climate change. It also opens doors to new economic opportunities, from high-value agricultural exports to tech-driven services and tourism. However, achieving these goals will require more than just technological adoption; it will demand a cultural shift, where innovation is encouraged, and failure is seen as a stepping stone to success. With bold policies in the pipeline, including legal room for trial failures and safe environments for experimentation, Vietnam is poised to redefine its agricultural and environmental landscape for the digital age.
