On the morning of April 6, the People’s Committee of Can Tho City held its first meeting in 2026 of the Steering Committee for the development of science, technology, innovation, digital transformation, and Project 06 to assess implementation results, identify shortcomings, and set key tasks for the coming time.

Synchronizing institutions, accelerating digital transformation

According to the assessment at the conference, the city’s direction and administration in the fields of science, technology, and digital transformation have recently been implemented synchronously and decisively, yielding many positive results. Tasks have been clearly assigned with specific responsibilities, duties, and timelines, contributing to improved effectiveness and efficiency of state management.

The city has issued many important mechanisms and policies, including submitting 5 resolutions to the People’s Council for approval and promulgating 3 related legal normative documents, creating a legal corridor to promote development.

Dr. Ngo Anh Tin, Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Can Tho City, said that the city is promoting the establishment of a Science, Technology and Innovation Development Fund; at the same time, it is expected to issue resolutions to support high-tech projects, especially in the fields of semiconductors, electronic equipment manufacturing, and digital technology.

He emphasized that this is a strategic step to attract investment, promote the innovation ecosystem, and enhance the locality’s competitiveness.

In the field of digital transformation, digital infrastructure and platforms continue to be invested in and upgraded. The 5G coverage rate has reached about 60%, approaching the target of 70% in 2026. Online public services are increasingly being improved, making it more convenient for people and businesses to access administrative services.

Project 06 creates breakthroughs in data and public services

Administrative reform continues to be a bright spot with many models associated with digital transformation being effectively implemented.

The implementation of Project 06 has achieved many outstanding results. Specifically, 98.48% of essential public service dossiers are processed online; 100% of civil status records have been digitized with more than 5.2 million data entries; more than 1 million electronic health records have been integrated.

In addition, the city has issued over 3.4 million identity cards and activated more than 2.7 million electronic identification accounts. Notably, 100% of medical facilities have used chip-based citizen ID cards in health insurance examination and treatment, contributing to improving management efficiency and public service.

The rate of on-time dossier processing and the level of public satisfaction have continuously improved, contributing to building a friendly and modern government image.

Removing “bottlenecks”, developing resources and the ecosystem

In addition to the achieved results, the conference also pointed out several shortcomings that need to be addressed. The development and completion of mechanisms and policies in some areas remain slow due to their new and complex nature and the lack of synchronized guidance from the central level.

Some departments and sectors have been slow in proposing tasks and projects, affecting implementation progress and disbursement. High-quality human resources, especially in technology, innovation, and cybersecurity, still do not meet requirements. Training and capacity-building efforts have not kept pace with reality.

On that basis, city leaders requested relevant units to focus on synchronously implementing tasks in accordance with central resolutions and the city’s plans, emphasizing the completion of institutions so that science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation become new growth drivers.

The city will promote the effective operation of the Science, Technology and Innovation Development Fund; strengthen the mobilization of social resources; and promote the role of enterprises, institutes, and universities in the innovation ecosystem.

In the coming time, units must urgently review and propose digital transformation tasks and projects, to be completed before April 10, 2026. The city’s police department is assigned to take the lead in implementing cybersecurity solutions, building data architecture, and upgrading the Information Security Monitoring Center.

The Department of Home Affairs will continue to promote administrative reform and develop digital human resources; the Department of Science and Technology will be responsible for operating data systems and digital platforms, and developing the Innovation Center and Smart Operations Center.

Regarding smart city development, the city will review and identify key project lists, improve coordination mechanisms, and ensure data security.

Speaking at the meeting, Chairman of the Can Tho City People’s Committee Truong Canh Tuyen emphasized that 2026 is of great significance, laying the foundation for a new development phase. With the determination of the entire political system and the participation of people and businesses, Can Tho expects to achieve clear progress in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, thereby promoting sustainable economic growth.

He requested all levels and sectors to continue proactively reviewing and improving institutions, mechanisms, and policies; effectively operating the Science, Technology and Innovation Development Fund; strengthening the mobilization of social resources; and enhancing the role and responsibility of leaders in directing and organizing implementation.

In particular, it is necessary to strengthen communication efforts, raise awareness, and encourage people and businesses to participate in using digital services, thereby strongly spreading digital transformation across the entire area.