On September 8, 2026, at the headquarters of the Lao Cai Provincial People’s Committee, the provincial administration and CMC Technology Corporation (CMC) signed a cooperation agreement aimed at accelerating digital transformation and advancing digital government, the digital economy, digital society and digital citizenship in Lao Cai during the 2026–2030 period.

The agreement establishes a long-term cooperation framework between the local government and one of Vietnam’s leading technology companies, allowing both sides to leverage their respective strengths and mobilize resources for comprehensive digital transformation. It also seeks to gradually bring technology and artificial intelligence into practical applications, addressing real-world challenges in public administration, socio-economic development and service delivery to citizens and businesses.

Lao Cai and CMC expand cooperation built on data, AI and digital technologies

The signing ceremony was attended by Hoang Giang, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Lao Cai Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People’s Council; Giang Quoc Hung, Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee; as well as leaders of provincial departments, agencies, organizations and local authorities.

Representing CMC were Dang Tung Son, CEO of CMC Technology Corporation and Chairman of CMC TS; Nguyen Hai Son, Executive Vice President of CMC Technology Corporation and CEO of CMC TS; and leaders of CMC member companies.

Speaking at the event, Hoang Giang emphasized that the cooperation agreement with CMC provides an important foundation for both sides to capitalize on their respective strengths, mobilize resources and accelerate digital transformation in line with Lao Cai’s development priorities.

The partnership will focus on building digital government while advancing the digital economy, digital society and digital citizenship. Data will serve as the foundation, technology as the driving force, and citizens and businesses as the center of the transformation process.

Under the agreement, Lao Cai and CMC will strengthen cooperation in the research and application of information technology, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, digital data, digital infrastructure and cybersecurity. The two sides will pursue coordinated digital transformation to improve the effectiveness of public governance and administration while enhancing the quality of services delivered to citizens and businesses.

From strategic cooperation to digital transformation at the grassroots level

A key focus of the cooperation program is the pilot implementation of the “Socialist Commune and Ward” model in Lao Cai Ward and Tran Yen Commune.

Based on field surveys, practical assessments and consultations with relevant agencies and organizations, CMC will provide technical consulting and professional support, working with local authorities to study the model and propose technology solutions suited to local conditions. The two sides aim to develop a practical model whose effectiveness can be evaluated and which could provide a basis for wider replication.

The initiative builds on CMC’s ongoing collaboration with Lao Cai in researching the pilot “Socialist Commune and Ward” model. The two sides previously discussed technology models, data platforms, AI, smart operation centers, digital infrastructure and cybersecurity to support the development of a modern, citizen-centered digital government.

At the event, Dang Tung Son affirmed CMC’s commitment to working alongside Lao Cai beyond the consulting stage, with a focus on turning cooperation priorities into practical initiatives and gradually developing models that can be assessed, validated and scaled up.

“We hope that, with the province’s determination and CMC’s support, the tasks set out at the central level can be effectively implemented by the province, while provincial priorities can be translated into concrete actions at the commune and ward levels, delivering tangible and measurable results,” Dang Tung Son said.

CMC TS to support Lao Cai from consulting to implementation

From an implementation perspective, Nguyen Hai Son highlighted CMC TS’s role in bringing CMC’s technological capabilities and implementation experience to bear on Lao Cai’s practical challenges.

According to Nguyen Hai Son, effective digital transformation should begin with a clear understanding of actual needs, identifying the most pressing challenges and designing solutions suited to real-world operating conditions. CMC TS will work closely with provincial agencies and organizations to turn the cooperation framework into implementable programs and solutions that deliver tangible value.

“CMC TS aims to accompany Lao Cai by starting with real-world challenges and developing solutions accordingly -  from consulting and implementation to performance assessment. Our goal is to work with the province to develop models that suit local conditions, operate effectively and provide a foundation for broader replication,” he said.

Bringing AI into governance and public services

A key element of the cooperation between Lao Cai and CMC is the push for AI transformation and the development of a roadmap for applying artificial intelligence to public administration, governance and citizen services.

The two sides plan to expand the use of AI for data aggregation and analysis and to support leaders in decision-making. They will also explore digital assistant solutions, digital public services and other AI applications tailored to practical needs.

Alongside technology, human capital development has been identified as a critical component. CMC will support the province in raising awareness and strengthening data literacy and AI skills among government officials, civil servants and public employees. This will help turn technological capabilities into practical capacity for governance and administration.

As part of the program, CMC will also provide training in AI, innovation and digital transformation for the province’s leadership and management teams, helping connect AI technologies with specific workplace challenges and practical applications.

Toward a digital ecosystem for socio-economic development

Beyond digital government, the cooperation between Lao Cai and CMC will promote the development of the digital economy and digital society, linking technology with the province’s key sectors, including agriculture, tourism, industry, import-export activities and logistics.

In the social sector, the two sides plan to advance digital solutions in healthcare, education, digital payments and digital skills development, expanding citizens’ access to digital services. These areas of cooperation share a common goal: building an integrated digital ecosystem that better serves citizens and businesses while improving public-sector operations.

From signing to action, with real-world impact as the measure of success

A notable feature of the cooperation program is that it goes beyond establishing a broad framework and is tied to specific priorities and areas of implementation.

For Lao Cai, the partnership represents a step toward translating the province’s vision of making science and technology, innovation and digital transformation key drivers of development into concrete action. For CMC, it provides an opportunity to bring its technology, consulting and implementation capabilities to bear on real-world challenges alongside the province.

The agreement provides a foundation for both sides to translate the agreed areas of cooperation into specific programs and plans, focusing on Lao Cai’s practical challenges while contributing to comprehensive digital transformation, more effective governance and better services for citizens and businesses.

From province-wide cooperation to implementation at the grassroots level, and from data and digital infrastructure to AI and human capital development, Lao Cai and CMC are gradually shaping a practical, integrated and scalable approach to digital transformation - one that puts technology at the service of development, measures success through tangible outcomes, and places citizens and businesses at its center.