US companies explore smart city opportunities in Central Vietnam

The US delegation will visit three provinces in Vietnam in search for co-operation opportunities

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Consul General Mary Tarnowka from the US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City joined 14 smart city-related companies in Nha Trang on December 12 for the first leg of a three-city business development mission to Central Vietnam.

The delegation of 27 US government and industry representatives met with city officials and local businesses to present innovative smart city solutions from the United States to address Vietnam’s growing urban challenges. The delegation will continue to Danang and Hue on December 13 and December 14, led by Commercial Counsellor Stuart Schaag from the US Embassy in Hanoi.

The delegation is comprised of representatives from US firms like Honeywell, KPMG, Microsoft, Uber Technologies, Baker & McKenzie, Dell, Qualcomm, 3M, Alta Planning + Design, Arcadis, HACH, Koolspan, Palo Alto Networks, and Xylem.

"Vietnam is facing rapid urbanisation, posing challenges for city officials and planners to provide basic infrastructure in transportation, energy, healthcare, water, and e-government services to make their communities more attractive and liveable,” said Consul General Mary Tarnowka. “US firms have innovative products and services in the smart cities area that can support Vietnamese cities.”

On the same note, US Embassy Commercial Counsellor Stuart Schaag commented, “I am confident that this week’s events will help US delegates learn more about each city’s smart city objectives and unique needs, and showcase to city officials and local businesses not only some of the best US technology and services in the smart city area, but US firms’ desire to develop relationships in Vietnam that can create win-win-win solutions for the city, industry, and most importantly, its citizens.”

During the trip, the delegation will meet with government officials from Danang, Khanh Hoa and Thua Thien-Hue provinces for a series of meetings.

Presentations from city leaders and heads of relevant departments, such as information and communications, transportation, health and planning, will expose US firms to the unique challenges that each city faces in dealing with rapid urbanisation and efficiently managing services offered to citizens and visitors.

US delegates will then present their smart city solutions, as well as share best practices from the US and around the world.