The digital economy is becoming increasingly visible across production and business operations in Phu Tho Province. From industrial and commercial enterprises to agricultural processors, digital technology is being applied to boost productivity, lower costs, and broaden markets. This shift reflects how the local business community is putting Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation into action.
In the first eight months of 2026, Phu Tho's economy continued to post positive growth. The industrial production index rose 21.8% year on year, while the processing and manufacturing sector increased 22.3%. Total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue reached more than VND109.667 trillion (US$4.218 billion), up 16.8%, while transportation revenue increased 19.6%.
Against this backdrop of growth, the digital economy is emerging as a new growth driver. Phu Tho's digital economy is currently estimated to account for 22.71% of GRDP, ranking third among 34 provinces and cities. The province has about 600 businesses operating in the digital technology sector, with total export value for digital industrial products exceeding US$7 billion. The production of electronics, computers, and optical products is becoming one of the province's key industrial sectors, generating significant export value.
Notably, during the first eight months of the year, Phu Tho recorded 3,265 newly registered businesses with total registered capital of VND34.6 trillion (US$1.331 billion). These businesses are directly adopting new technologies, upgrading management methods, and creating additional growth momentum for the private sector.
According to Phu Tho People's Committee Chairman Tran Duy Dong, the digital economy not only creates a new economic sector but, more importantly, is transforming the way traditional economic sectors operate, helping businesses reduce costs, expand markets, and increase productivity.
Business experience shows that digital transformation is beginning with specific operational needs. Bui Xuan Truong, Head of Production and Business at Young Poong Electronics Vina Co., Ltd. (Ba Thien 2 Industrial Park), said that after applying management software and digitizing processes, order tracking, inventory management, and production progress monitoring are now managed through a single system, reducing processing time, limiting errors, and increasing productivity.
In agricultural processing, digital technology is helping businesses expand their markets. Au Thi Kim Phuong, Director of Minh Phuc An Agricultural Processing JSC (Tam Dao Commune), said that putting products on online platforms has helped the company reach customers in more provinces and cities, allowing customers to view products, place orders, and make payments directly on their phones.
In 2026, Phu Tho targets the digital economy to contribute at least 23% of GRDP, 70% of transactions to be cashless, at least 60% of small and medium-sized enterprises to use digital platforms in their operations, and at least 50% of businesses to use electronic contracts.
To support this transition, the province has deployed six national databases, seven key sectoral databases, and 47 sectoral databases managed by the province; 100% of land data has been synchronized, and 100% of educational institutions have adopted digital academic records. All 148 communes and wards across the province have established community digital technology teams. Backed by its expanding industrial, commercial, and agricultural foundation, Phu Tho has considerable scope for further digital economic growth. As enterprises proactively adopt new technologies, digitize management, and modernize operating models, the digital economy will increasingly serve as an important driver of provincial growth.
By Huong Hau, Vietnam Business Forum
