HCM City seeks Google assistance to shape smart urban mobility
VOV.VN - As Ho Chi Minh City accelerates its digital transformation agenda and smart city ambitions, it is strengthening cooperation with leading global technology companies, with Google emerging as a strategic partner in areas such as digital mapping, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility.
Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Cuong was speaking during his reception for Holger Luedorf, managing director for Global Product Partnerships at Google Maps, on June 12.
He highly valued Google’s presence and contributions to the city’s growing digital ecosystem, noting platforms such as Google Maps, Waze and Google Earth have become indispensable tools for both residents and visitors.
He added that Google's decision to establish a legal entity in Ho Chi Minh City in 2023 and officially begin operations in 2025 demonstrates the company's long-term commitment to the Vietnamese market.
As the city continues to expand following recent administrative adjustments, demands for infrastructure development, transportation management and smart urban governance have become increasingly urgent, requiring integrated technological solutions powered by large-scale data.
He expressed the city’s desire to strengthen cooperation with Google, particularly in public transportation, through the integration of operational data and digital payment systems to improve user experience and enhance management efficiency.
He also proposed moving toward formal cooperation agreements that could serve as a foundation for implementing specific projects in the near future.
The city has already begun introducing new technologies into public administration, including the deployment of Gemini accounts for leaders at city, commune and ward levels to support decision-making, policy analysis and governance.
Ho Chi Minh City views Google not only as a partner in smart mobility but also as a potential collaborator in artificial intelligence, innovation-driven entrepreneurship and the development of a comprehensive digital urban ecosystem, Cuong told his guest.
For his part, Luedorf said Google has worked with major cities around the world, including New York, Paris, Tokyo and London, to develop digital mapping and smart transportation solutions. He assured his host that Google is interested in establishing a similar partnership with Ho Chi Minh City, one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic urban centres.
The Google representative also emphasised that Vietnam is a strategic market in the company’s global development plans. Products such as Google Maps, Gemini, YouTube, Gmail and Google Photos are widely used across the country, reflecting strong readiness for digital applications in daily life and urban services.
The company has also been working with local authorities on potential initiatives involving public transportation integration, real-time traffic data and digital payment solutions linked to mapping platforms.
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