The An Giang Provincial People's Council's resolution on the socio-economic development plan for 2026 has set ambitious goals: a GRDP growth rate of 10.71% or higher at constant prices, and a GRDP per capita of US$3,600. These are impressive figures, demonstrating the province's determination to strive for rapid and sustainable development, making An Giang a new driving force in the Mekong Delta region. To achieve this high growth rate, An Giang cannot rely solely on traditional drivers such as increased investment or simply expanding scale. The resolution clearly states: "Focus on economic development based on creative innovation, science and technology, digital transformation, and green transformation." In particular, the targets set show great ambition: the proportion of added value from the digital economy in GRDP reaching 8%; and the local digital transformation index and creative innovation index ranking 10th out of 34 provinces nationwide.

    In this context, digital transformation and creative innovation are not only inevitable trends but also decisive factors for the success of the 2026 development plan, requiring the decisive involvement of the entire political system, businesses, and the people. To clarify this issue, the following aspects need to be considered:

The target of achieving a GRDP growth rate of 10.71% in 2026 places high demands on labor productivity and resource efficiency. According to the plan, labor productivity at constant prices needs to reach VND 94.77 million per worker, a significant increase compared to the current level. To achieve this, digital transformation is the core solution. According to Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024, of the Politburo on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, the document emphasized the role of digital transformation in improving the productivity, quality, efficiency, and competitiveness of the economy. For An Giang, digital transformation can help improve efficiency in many areas: smart agriculture helps increase crop and livestock productivity; digital logistics shortens customs clearance time; and digital government reduces compliance time and costs for businesses. In practice, localities with high digital transformation indices tend to have outstanding economic growth rates. An Giang aims to rank in the top 10 out of 34 provinces nationwide in terms of DTI and PII indices, not only to improve its ranking but also to create a solid foundation for sustainable growth. When the digital economy's share reaches 8% of GRDP, its contribution to overall growth will be significant, creating new momentum for the province's economy. The policy and resource foundations are prerequisites for digital transformation; An Giang has demonstrated strong political determination in promoting digital transformation. The 2026 plan resolution ensures that "at least 3% of the total annual local budget expenditure is allocated to the development of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation." This is a significant investment level, showing the province's priority for this field.

Applying digital transformation to key areas: (i) In agriculture, An Giang is implementing the project "One million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice associated with green growth in the Mekong Delta by 2030". Applying digital technology in monitoring planted area, forecasting yields, and managing agricultural supply chains will help increase product value and farmers' income. (ii) In the tourism sector, especially developing Phu Quoc into a high-quality eco-tourism and service center to serve APEC 2027, digital transformation plays a crucial role. A smart tourism management system, digital tourism applications, cashless payments, and online customer service will enhance the visitor experience and affirm Phu Quoc as a world-class destination. (iii) For border trade economic development, An Giang needs to effectively implement the national single window mechanism, the ASEAN single window, electronic customs, and a modern monitoring system. For example, digitizing customs clearance procedures at border gates will shorten processing time from several days to just a few hours, reduce logistics costs, and enhance the transparency and competitiveness of An Giang's goods. This is a crucial factor in exploiting the advantages of its gateway location connecting with the Kingdom of Cambodia and the region.

   Besides digital transformation, creative innovation is an indispensable element in achieving sustainable growth. The resolution identified the need to "promote innovation in the growth model, restructure the economy towards sustainability, modernity, and high added value." This requires An Giang to encourage businesses to invest in research and development and the application of new technologies. The goal of encouraging the private sector and businesses to invest in science, technology, and innovative startups needs to be concretized through practical support policies: financial support for startups, tax incentives for creative innovative businesses, building co-working spaces, and connecting with venture capital funds. The formation of a vibrant startup ecosystem will attract young, dynamic human resources, creating new products and services with high added value. In particular, An Giang needs to focus on developing creative innovation in key areas such as high-tech agriculture, renewable energy, and ecotourism. Innovative solutions in models combining wind power with high-tech aquaculture and deep processing of seafood can create sustainable value chains that suit the province's characteristics. This is the path for An Giang to achieve not only rapid growth but also sustainable and modern growth.

To make digital transformation and innovation truly the main drivers of growth in 2026, An Giang needs to focus on the following breakthrough solutions: (i) Firstly, perfecting digital infrastructure and the digital transformation platform requires “developing a concentrated digital information technology zone, digital telecommunications infrastructure, creating a foundation for the development of digital government, digital economy and digital society”. At the same time, “continuing to develop, perfect and optimize the province's shared software platform systems and applications to ensure stable, smooth and efficient operation”. Prioritizing investment in digital infrastructure in economic zones, industrial parks and Phu Quoc to serve APEC 2027. (ii) Secondly, promoting training and enhancing digital capacity for officials and citizens requires “implementing synchronously policies to attract, reward and effectively utilize human resources, especially investing, building and developing a team of intellectuals, experts and science and technology personnel”. Simultaneously, "implementing the Digital Mass Literacy Campaign" to enhance digital skills for the entire population. (iii) Thirdly, supporting businesses in applying technology and creative innovation, "encourage the private sector and businesses to invest in science, technology and innovative startups; support and promote businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, in digital transformation." The province will allocate at least 3% of the total annual local budget expenditure to the development of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation. (iv) Fourthly, digitizing state management activities and developing the digital economy, "effectively implement the national single window mechanism, ASEAN single window, electronic customs and modern monitoring systems" at border gates. Simultaneously, promoting the application of technology in key areas such as high-tech agriculture, smart tourism, and digital urban governance.

  The target of achieving a GRDP growth rate of 10.71% in 2026 is ambitious, but entirely feasible if An Giang effectively leverages the driving forces of digital transformation and creative innovation. This is not only an inevitable path in the digital age but also a decisive factor in the province's long-term competitiveness and sustainable development. If digital transformation is implemented synchronously and comprehensively, An Giang will quickly narrow the gap with developed provinces, rising to become a new driving force in the Mekong Delta region as desired. The fact that the province's DTI and PII indices are in the top 10 nationwide will be proof of this effort, opening up opportunities to attract investment and develop high-quality human resources. With a spirit of innovation, creativity, and strong political determination, the team of officials, civil servants, and employees, along with the business community and people of An Giang, need to work together to implement digital transformation, turning challenges into opportunities, and contributing to the realization of socio-economic development goals for 2026 and the following years.

News by Xuan Quyet

Translator: Thi Huynh