Hanoi pilots autonomous transport as tech firms flag AI challenges

Hanoi authorities and business leaders are addressing challenges in the technology and digital transformation sectors. The Hanoi People's Committee has approved a controlled trial for Phenikaa-X Joint Stock Company to test an intelligent autonomous transport system, which includes autonomous buses, taxi robots, cleaning robots, and delivery robots.

At a recent conference organized by the Hanoi Department of Science and Technology, officials discussed the gap between existing support policies and business accessibility. While Hanoi has introduced specific mechanisms via the Capital Law and various resolutions for 2026, businesses have reported difficulties regarding intellectual property valuation, startup recognition criteria, and tax incentive procedures. The Department of Science and Technology has addressed 50% of 124 submitted petitions, focusing on streamlining online certification processes.

In the banking sector, Techcombank Chairman Ho Hung Anh highlighted five major challenges regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI) investment. These include high costs for foreign data and AI services, the risk of losing autonomy due to fluctuating GPU prices and supply chains, and the rapid pace of technological obsolescence. Additionally, he noted the need for strong internal cultural shifts to overcome employee resistance to AI and the importance of business leaders, rather than technology providers, driving the strategic direction of AI implementation.