Developing the Digital Economy and Digital Society: A New Driver of Sustainable Growth

Recognizing the digital economy and digital society as key drivers for transforming the growth model, improving productivity, enhancing quality, and strengthening economic competitiveness, Phu Tho Province has actively implemented a wide range of measures to carry out Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science and technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. These efforts have laid an important foundation for rapid and sustainable economic growth while improving services for citizens and businesses.

Digital payment at business establishments contributes to building a comprehensive digital economy and digital society.

With the digital economy identified as a new engine of growth, the province has directed departments, agencies, and local authorities to support enterprises in adopting digital technologies throughout their production and business activities. Priority has been given to expanding e-commerce, digital payments, product traceability systems, and digital marketing, while creating favorable conditions for enterprises, cooperatives, and household businesses to transition from traditional business models to digital platforms. This approach has not only expanded market access and increased product value but also accelerated the development of a digital economic ecosystem.

Thanks to strong leadership and coordinated implementation, the digital economy is estimated to account for approximately 22.71% of the province’s GRDP, ranking third among Vietnam’s 34 provinces and centrally governed cities. The province is currently home to around 600 enterprises engaged in the production of electronic components, software development, and digital technology services and solutions, contributing 4.55 percentage points to GRDP growth in 2025.

The total export value of digital industrial products exceeded $7 billion. Several key industries continued to record impressive growth, with laptop production increasing by 87.1% and electronic components by 26.41%. Notably, the electronics, computer, and optical products manufacturing sector now accounts for more than 38% of the province’s total industrial output, maintaining its role as a pillar of economic growth and generating significant spillover effects across the provincial economy.

Digital transformation has extended beyond enterprises and cooperatives to household businesses and individual consumers. From QR-code payments and online sales via social media to livestream product promotion, digital technology is steadily transforming business practices and consumer behavior, creating greater convenience for both sellers and buyers.

One notable example is Lita Foods Joint Stock Company in Thanh Son Commune, producer of the Truong Foods brand. The company currently has two four-star OCOP products, while its Concui gift set has been recognized as a national five-star OCOP product. Leveraging digital technology, the company has introduced QR codes for product traceability across its entire product line, enabling customers to verify product origins and make payments using QR codes or electronic wallets. Alongside traditional sales channels, Lita Foods actively promotes its products through Facebook, TikTok, and e-commerce platforms, helping reach a broader customer base both inside and outside the province.

Lita Foods Joint Stock Company in Thanh Son Commune livestreams product promotions on digital platforms, expanding market access and contributing to the growth of the digital economy.

The application of digital technology has not only expanded market opportunities and improved product traceability but has also made transactions more convenient while effectively promoting the province’s OCOP products through digital channels. According to Nguyen Thi Hau, a resident of Thanh Son Commune:

"Cashless payments and shopping through digital platforms save time, make transactions more convenient, and allow people to access a wider range of products and services more quickly."

To date, the province has issued more than 2.57 million electronic identity accounts, of which over 2.43 million have been activated for use in digital public administrative services. All healthcare facilities now accept citizens using chip-based Citizen Identity Cards or VNeID integrated with health insurance data. Every hospital is implementing electronic medical records in accordance with the national roadmap, while all general education schools have adopted electronic gradebooks, digital learning materials, and e-learning systems. Cashless payment has also been introduced across the public administration system, healthcare facilities, schools, supermarkets, and many business establishments, making everyday transactions more convenient for residents.

A key highlight in the development of the digital society is the province-wide “Digital Literacy for All” movement. Under the leadership of Party committees and local authorities, a variety of innovative initiatives—including Community Digital Technology Teams, Digital Families, Digital Markets – Digital Rural Communities, Digital Villages, Digital Ambassadors, and Women’s Online Markets—have delivered practical results. In addition to helping residents access online public services, electronic payments, and VNeID registration, Community Digital Technology Teams also assist local people in selling products through social media and e-commerce platforms, improving digital skills and gradually fostering a community of digitally empowered citizens.

The progress achieved in developing the digital economy and digital society has created a solid foundation for Phu Tho to further accelerate comprehensive digital transformation. With strong political commitment, coordinated efforts across the entire political system, and active participation from businesses and citizens, the digital economy and digital society are expected to remain key drivers of rapid and sustainable growth, contributing significantly to the successful implementation of the province’s socio-economic development goals in the years ahead.

Anh Tho