UEH - NEU Joint National Scientific Conference Series: Developing Mekong Delta Transportation Infrastructure and the Digital Economy in the New Context

07 Dec, 2025

Continuing the National Scientific Conference Series co-organized by the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) and the National Economics University (NEU), a forum was held to discuss the development of transportation infrastructure in the Mekong Delta adapted to climate change and the impact of the digital economy on productivity. The conference brought together scientists, experts, and government representatives, creating an academic space that connected knowledge, policy, and practice to contribute strategic solutions for regional development and enhance national competitiveness.

An overview of the event.

The conference is part of the implementation of two key national-level science and technology research projects: "Innovating Methods for Mobilizing and Effectively Using Resources to Develop Transportation Infrastructure in the Mekong Delta, Adapted to Climate Change," led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung – UEH Interim President; and "The Impact of the Digital Economy on the Economy's Productivity in the New Context" (Code KX.01.07/21-30), led by Prof. Dr. To Trung Thanh – Head of the Department of Scientific Management at NEU.

From UEH, attendees included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Phong Nguyen – Rector of the UEH College of Business; Dr. Thai Kim Phung – Acting Head of the Department of Communications and Partnerships; Dr. Nguyen Thi Thy Lieu – Acting Director of UEH Mekong; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Tu Anh – Director of the Institute of Smart City and Management, UEH College of Technology and Design; and Prof. Dr. Doan Thi Hong Van – Senior Lecturer at the School of International Business, UEH College of Business.
From NEU, attendees included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Ha – Chairman of the NEU Advisory Council; Prof. Dr. To Trung Thanh – Head of the Department of Scientific Management; Ph.D. Nguyen Đinh Hung - Deputy Head of the NEU Equipment Management Department; Associate Professor, Ph.D. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen - Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Environment, Climate Change & Urban Affairs, NEU School of Economics and Public Management; Ph.D. Do Van Huan - Faculty of Statistics, NEU School of Technology.

From the University of Transport and Communications, attendees included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Chuong – Chairman of the University Council, and Prof. Dr. Bui Tien Thanh – Dean of the School of Transportation Infrastructure.

The conference also attracted delegates from central agencies, ministries, research institutes, and universities from across the country.

In his opening speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung - UEH Interim President - emphasized: "In the context of Vietnam, and the Mekong Delta in particular, facing severe challenges from climate change, sea-level rise, and saltwater intrusion, mobilizing and effectively using resources for transportation infrastructure development is both an urgent immediate requirement and a strategic long-term task. The presentations at this conference aim to realize the spirit of the Politburo's Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024, by the Politburo on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, while also proposing effective resource utilization for transportation infrastructure to usher in a new growth phase for the entire region."

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung affirming the practical significance of the conference

In his introductory remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Ha - Chairman of the NEU Advisory Council - stated that the conference's two key themes—digital transformation and infrastructure development—highlight the unique importance of the Mekong Delta region as it faces numerous climate-related challenges. He also stressed the need for frank, multidimensional analyses tailored to the region's specific characteristics to find feasible solutions for sustainable development.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Ha delivering his introductory remarks

The first discussion session, themed "The Impact of the Digital Economy on Local Labor Productivity in the New Context – Current Situation and Policy Recommendations," focused on analyzing the relationship between digital economy development and labor productivity in the new context. Thereby, it provided an important foundation for identifying opportunities, challenges, and strategic orientations to enhance productivity and economic competitiveness in the digital transformation phase.

Dr. Thai Kim Phung, Acting Head of the UEH Department of Communications and Partnerships, presenting on "The Current State of Digital Economy Development and its Impact on Labor Productivity in Ho Chi Minh City"

Dr. Do Van Huan from the Faculty of Statistics, NEU School of Technology, presenting on "The Current State, Scenarios, and Solutions for Digital Economy Development in Vietnam"

The second session centered on the theme "Assessing the Current Methods of Resource Mobilization and Utilization for Transportation Infrastructure Development in the Mekong Delta Region." The presentations clarified the current situation and core issues in resource mobilization, allocation, and utilization for regional transportation infrastructure.

Prof. Dr. Bui Tien Thanh, Dean of the School of Transportation Infrastructure, University of Transport and Communications, presenting on "The Current State of the Policy System and Planning Orientations for Transportation Infrastructure in the Mekong Delta"

Prof. Dr. Doan Thi Hong Van from the UEH School of International Business presenting on "Mobilizing Resources for Transportation Infrastructure Development to Serve Logistics in the Mekong Delta: Current Situation and Emerging Issues"

The presentations were followed by a discussion session chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quang Hung and Prof. Dr. To Trung Thanh, which featured many practical contributions from the attending delegates.

Delegates engaging in discussion

Through the close collaboration between UEH, NEU, and local authorities, the conference successfully built a forum connecting knowledge, policy, and practice, contributing to an integrated approach that combines infrastructure planning, resource conservation, innovation, and digital economic development. The event was not only a tangible contribution to the completion of national-level scientific research projects but also a testament to the commitment of both universities to partner with localities on their sustainable development journey, especially in the Mekong Delta in the new context.