Technological breakthroughs

From the application of robotics in production and the development of VinachemMart to the aim of establishing an R&D Centre, Vinachem demonstrates the strong transformation of a state-owned enterprise in a foundational industry, affirming the soundness of the Party’s policy on science, technology, and digital transformation.

Summary:

Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo identifies science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation as key drivers for developing a modern productive force and enhancing national autonomy. In line with this spirit, Vinachem is gradually putting Resolution 57 into practice through technological innovation, production automation, the development of a digital ecosystem, and the construction of a data-driven management model. From robotics in production and VinachemMart to the plan for an R&D Centre, Vinachem exemplifies the determined transformation of a state-owned enterprise in a core industry, affirming the Party’s direction on science, technology, and digital transformation.

Vinachem’s Transformation in the Digital Era in Accordance with Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW

Throughout the revolutionary leadership of Vietnam, the Communist Party of Vietnam has consistently identified the development of a modern productive force as a decisive condition for building an independent and self-reliant economy and for fulfilling the goals of industrialisation and modernisation. Drawing on Marxist-Leninist thought regarding the role of science in social development, through to the reform policies initiated and led by the Party, science and technology have increasingly been defined as a key driver of growth and a foundation for enhancing labour productivity, national competitiveness, and the overall strength of the economy.

Entering the digital era and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, this awareness has reached new heights in the Documents of the Party’s XIII Congress and is clearly articulated in Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW (Resolution 57) of the Politburo. The Resolution affirms that the development of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation is “the foremost breakthrough” and “the main driving force” for rapidly building a modern productive force, reforming national governance, and enhancing national competitiveness.

This spirit not only sets a new direction for the country but also poses urgent requirements for state-owned enterprises to pioneer technological innovation, master digital infrastructure, and establish modern manufacturing models. Against this backdrop, Vinachem is actively transforming itself by implementing Resolution 57 in its production, management, and corporate development.

From research cooperation with Hanoi University of Science and Technology and the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, the aim of building an R&D centre, exploring opportunities to participate in the semiconductor value chain, to deploying robotics in production, developing a digital ecosystem, and building digital platforms for agriculture, Vinachem is making concrete strides in innovation and digital transformation.

Significantly, these developments go beyond slogans or strategic direction—they have been substantiated by practical results in production, management, and market connectivity. From robotic production lines to the VinachemMart e-commerce platform and the agricultural digital ecosystem, Vinachem’s digital transformation is contributing to the formation of smart manufacturing, data-driven management, and the gradual creation of a new productive force for the chemical industry in Vietnam.

This reality stands as compelling evidence of the Party’s sound policy on science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation; it also refutes distorted arguments that state-owned enterprises are slow to innovate, struggle to adapt to modern technology, or are unable to lead core industries in a globally competitive environment.

Resolution 57 – A New Step in the Party’s Theoretical Thinking on Building a Modern Productive Force

From Marxist-Leninist theory to Vietnam’s reform practice, one can trace a consistent line of thought: science and technology not only support production but are increasingly becoming a direct productive force. In the digital economy, knowledge, data, and technology have become decisive resources for competitiveness and national autonomy.

The Party has continuously developed this understanding through its congresses and thematic resolutions. While in the early reform period, science and technology were identified as “the leading national policy”, today science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation are placed at the centre of the new growth model, directly linked to the goal of rapid and sustainable national development.

Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo marks a new development in this theoretical thinking. The Resolution does not view science and technology as a specialised field but situates science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation within the overall national development strategy; closely tied to the task of building a modern productive force, reforming the growth model, and enhancing productivity, competitiveness, and economic autonomy.

The core of Resolution 57 is a decisive shift from a mindset of “applying technology” to “mastering technology”; from seeing science and technology as a supporting tool to recognising them as the most important driving force in the digital era. This reflects the Party’s evolving perception of the role of knowledge, data, and innovation in national development under new conditions.

This spirit is even more significant in the context of fierce global competition in technology, data, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and global supply chains. Any nation that fails to master core technologies or build research and innovation capacity risks falling into dependence and lagging behind.
For the chemical industry, the spirit of Resolution 57 is of strategic importance. As a foundational sector directly linked to agriculture, energy, new materials, electronics, defence, and many other essential fields, failure to master chemical technology or develop a research and innovation ecosystem makes it difficult to build an independent, self-reliant, and globally competitive industrial base.

Thus, Vinachem’s implementation of Resolution 57 is not only about improving business efficiency but also about directly participating in building the new productive force of the nation.

Embracing Resolution 57, Vinachem has clearly identified the need to make science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation the main drivers contributing substantively to the Group’s development objectives; to foster strong digital transformation throughout the system and with regulators; and to promote value chain research, the circular economy model, and the alignment of research with application and market needs.

In addition, the Group prioritises the development of core and strategic technologies in the chemical sector to enhance technological autonomy, support double-digit growth targets for 2026–2030, and promote green transition, strict chemical safety, and the development of the circular economy in production.
It is clear that Vinachem is approaching Resolution 57 not as a short-term campaign, but as a new axis for its growth model. This marks a shift from growth primarily based on resources, labour, and output expansion to one based on knowledge, data, technology, and autonomy.

Here, the essence of “building a new productive force” is clearly manifested in the chemical industry: not simply in renewing machinery, production lines, or management methods, but, more importantly, in building research capacity, technological mastery, innovation capability, and national competitiveness in the digital economy and deeper international integration.

Vinachem Realises Resolution 57 through Technological Innovation and Digital Transformation

Resolution No. 35-NQ/TW of the Politburo asserts that safeguarding the Party’s ideological foundation must be verified not only in theory but also by practical development achievements. In the economic sphere, this is directly reflected in effectiveness, innovation capacity, and the leadership role of state-owned enterprises in key sectors.

There remain views that state-owned enterprises are slow to innovate, struggle to adapt to modern technology, and are losing their leading role in the market. However, Vinachem’s implementation of Resolution 57 demonstrates quite the opposite: with proper direction, determination, and systematic execution, state-owned enterprises can indeed lead in technological innovation, digital transformation, and the creation of a modern productive force.
A consistent principle in Party documents is that the state sector plays a leading role; state-owned enterprises hold key positions in critical, essential sectors. For the chemical industry, this is even more strategic, as it is fundamental to material, fertiliser, chemical security, industrial autonomy, and many other crucial areas.

For years, Vinachem has not only fulfilled its business tasks but has also shouldered an important political responsibility in ensuring the supply of fertilisers, chemicals, and other essential products for agriculture, industry, and daily life. Thus, implementing Resolution 57 at Vinachem is not simply about business efficiency, but about modernising the chemical industry towards green, digital, and technological autonomy.

In line with Resolution 57, Vinachem has clearly identified the need to make science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation the main development drivers; to effect strong change in digital governance, digital production, and data connectivity throughout the Group; to promote value chain research, the circular economy, and alignment of research with market needs.

What is remarkable is that Vinachem’s digital transformation is methodical, following a clear roadmap, and directly linked to the practical requirements of industrial production, rather than being a mere trend.

In research and technology development, Vinachem has signed cooperation agreements with Hanoi University of Science and Technology and the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology to enhance research, technology transfer, and high-quality human resource training. Member companies such as Southern Battery Joint Stock Company and Southern Basic Chemicals Joint Stock Company have also cooperated with research institutes and universities to develop new products.

At the same time, the Group has implemented scientific research exploring opportunities to participate in the semiconductor industry value chain—a sector of special importance in global technology competition.

Notably, Vinachem is studying investment in a Centre for Scientific, Technological Development, and Innovation at Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park, covering about 3 hectares, with a total investment of around VND 1,500 billion from 2026–2030.

The Centre will focus on four main areas: ultra-pure chemicals, pharmaceutical chemicals, new materials, and addressing technical and technological issues arising in member units’ production. These are all of strategic significance, as ultra-pure chemicals and new materials underpin the electronics, semiconductor, and high-tech industries.

Establishing the Centre will not only enhance research capacity and develop high value-added products, but also lay the groundwork for Vinachem to master core technologies, commercialise research outcomes, train high-quality human resources, and build a Group-wide innovation ecosystem.

The leadership role of state-owned enterprises is also evident in digital transformation organisation. Vinachem’s reporting system is now linked with that of the Ministry of Finance to provide online data for management and administration. The Group is also building a digital ecosystem including VinachemMart, I-Office, and a management reporting system to support data-driven decision-making.

On 13 February 2026, Vinachem’s Members’ Council issued Decision No. 88/QĐ-HCVN on the comprehensive digital transformation plan for 2026–2030, with objectives including data digitisation, IT infrastructure modernisation, management process digitisation, a synchronised management reporting system, and the development of a workforce with the skills required for digital transformation.

It is evident that Vinachem is now pursuing knowledge, technology, and innovation-driven development, rather than focusing on extensive growth. This marks a shift from growth based mainly on resources, labour, and output, to growth based on data, technology, productivity, and autonomy.

Vinachem’s results show that when science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation are placed at the centre of development strategy, state-owned enterprises can achieve strong progress in productivity, management efficiency, and technological autonomy.

This is also practical proof of the Party’s sound policy, refuting views that deny the role of state-owned enterprises in core industrial development and in building a self-reliant, modern economy in the current context.

Resolution 57 Paves the Way for Growth Model Transformation at Vinachem

The value of a resolution lies not only in its theoretical scope, but also in its ability to be implemented in production. At Vinachem, the spirit of Resolution 57 is being realised step by step through production automation, digital management transformation, and the construction of a green, smart industrial model.

From labour-intensive lines, many Vinachem member units have begun moving to robotic and automated production. Three units—Lix Detergent Joint Stock Company (Lixco), Da Nang Rubber Joint Stock Company (DRC), and DAP No. 2 Joint Stock Company – Vinachem (DAP 2)—have already deployed

automated robot systems. Other units are planning investment in automation suitable for their needs and production conditions. This marks a significant shift from traditional to smart manufacturing, reducing reliance on manual labour, and improving productivity and management efficiency.

At Lixco, the benefits of automation are evident in both labour productivity and financial efficiency. The company has invested in four robots for palletising at Lix Binh Duong Plant, three at Lix Thu Duc, and two at Lix Bac Ninh.

At Binh Duong Branch alone, direct labour has fallen from 45 to 12 people; labour costs have declined from around VND 6.75 billion/year to about VND 1.8 billion/year. Even factoring in about VND 300 million/year in maintenance costs, real savings are around VND 4.65 billion/year.

At Lix Bac Ninh, the handling stage dropped from ten general workers per shift to two machine operators. The project’s payback period is about 7.76 years; net present value (NPV) is VND 3,260 million, and internal rate of return (IRR) is 17%, higher than the average cost of capital (WACC) of 12%.

At Lix Thu Duc, direct labour fell from 14 to two people; labour costs dropped from VND 2.1 billion/year to VND 300 million/year. The project’s payback period is about 5.37 years; NPV is VND 15,416.27 million, and IRR is 26.74%, well above the 12% WACC.

These figures show that automation not only reduces direct labour but also delivers clear financial benefits, strengthening competitiveness.
If Lixco demonstrates the benefits of robotics in optimising manpower and costs, Da Nang Rubber Joint Stock Company (DRC) focuses automation on technical precision and product quality.

DRC has engineered an automatic robotic fabric cutting and joining machine for bias and semi-steel truck tyre production. This stage requires high technical precision, as the fabric layers must be joined straight, with even overlap, to ensure tyre balance and stability in use.

Previously, this was done manually, relying heavily on worker skill, resulting in limited consistency and productivity. The robotic system with CCD image sensors precisely locates the joining point, improving uniformity and joint stability, and reducing maintenance costs compared to the previous pneumatic cylinder method.

The automatic machine achieves about 14 joints per minute with only one operator, while the manual machine managed about seven joints per minute with two operators. Thus, matching the output of one automatic machine would require two manual machines and four workers. Robotics therefore not only increases productivity and reduces direct labour, but also improves product quality to meet the demands of the automotive sector.

Meanwhile, at DAP No. 2 Joint Stock Company – Vinachem, automation has been deployed in product handling, one of the most labour-intensive stages in fertiliser production.

The company has introduced two robots for lifting and stacking product sacks onto pallets. Each pallet contains about two tonnes of DAP, with 50 kg bags automatically and uniformly stacked.

Each robot is designed for a throughput of about 40 tonnes/hour, with actual operation achieving 40–45 tonnes/hour. With two robots in use, around 24 direct handling jobs are eliminated.

Besides labour savings, robotics also improves working conditions. Previously, workers had to labour in hot, demanding environments with poor air quality. With robots handling the lifting, physical strain is greatly reduced; pallet stacking is also more uniform and precise, facilitating transport, storage, and dispatch.

Alongside production automation, Vinachem is gradually building a digital ecosystem for management and market connectivity.

A notable highlight is the VinachemMart e-commerce platform. After a year of operation, the platform has recorded revenue of VND 51.5 billion, over 52,040 registered accounts, and more than 25,000 successful orders.

Designed, built, and operated by the Group in line with the characteristics of the chemical industry, VinachemMart is not only a sales channel but is also gradually forming a specialised e-commerce ecosystem for the Vietnamese chemical sector. The platform connects businesses, consumers, and market data in a unified system, expands the market, enhances customer service capacity, and drives digital business models in industry.

Together with VinachemMart, the Vinachem Agriculture platform is extending the significance of digital transformation from commerce to agricultural production and the community.

Built as a non-profit initiative, Vinachem Agriculture is designed to help farmers access scientific knowledge, cultivation techniques, and official agricultural information. It is a space connecting scientists, experts, businesses, media, and farmers to share production experience, disseminate effective agricultural solutions, and promote green, modern, and sustainable agriculture.

Vinachem has announced a team of expert collaborators, signed cooperation programmes with member units for 2026–2030, and entered into partnership with the Agriculture and Environment Newspaper, indicating that the platform is being developed to connect knowledge, data, and practical production.
Vinachem’s transformation is not limited to digital management and smart manufacturing but is also closely aligned with green and sustainable development objectives.

The Group is researching and applying streamlined, efficient energy management solutions; digitising energy usage data; centralised real-time monitoring; and automated reporting and data analysis to optimise operational costs and reduce CO₂ emissions.

With a focus on green chemistry, cleaner production, efficient energy use, and closed-loop technology to reduce raw material and energy consumption and ensure safe waste management, the transition from traditional to modern, green, and smart chemical industry is gradually becoming a reality.

These results show that digital transformation and technological innovation at Vinachem are not just slogans or superficial campaigns, but have a direct impact on labour productivity, management efficiency, working conditions, and competitiveness.

This reality is persuasive evidence against claims that state-owned enterprises are slow to innovate, struggle to adapt to modern technology, or that the chemical industry cannot develop in a green and sustainable manner.

Vinachem’s achievements show that, with the right policy, systematic implementation, and technology aligned with practical production needs, state-owned enterprises can effect profound change in building a new productive force, enhancing industrial autonomy, and contributing to the nation’s modern industrial development.

Affirming the Party’s Leadership through Practical Innovation at Vinachem

A review of the implementation of Resolution 57 at Vinachem reveals a consistent lesson: all substantive change begins with the Party’s leadership. Unified leadership ensures consensus in awareness and action across the system, making science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation central political tasks in management, production, and development.

This also demonstrates that defending the Party’s ideological foundation today is not only a theoretical matter but must be confirmed by practical development results—by productivity, product quality, management efficiency, and technological mastery in Vietnamese enterprises.

Vinachem’s experience shows that with sound policy, strong political will, and systematic organisation, state-owned enterprises can strongly innovate, adapt to modern technology, and create new value in productivity, production efficiency, management, and social responsibility.

However, the process also presents many challenges. Vinachem’s operational fields are extensive, from fertilisers, crop protection, basic chemicals, electrochemicals, and rubber to mining. Implementing science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation simultaneously requires a roadmap suitable for each field and unit.

Some units still operate old equipment with high energy consumption and low productivity or quality; production processes remain labour-intensive. Some are relocating factories, so the implementation of science and technology and digital transformation initiatives depends on stable production. Additionally, funding for science and technology remains limited, and the procedures for assigning and implementing such tasks require further improvement.

Nonetheless, clearly recognising these difficulties highlights the value of Vinachem’s achievements in implementing Resolution 57. From research partnerships with institutes and universities, the orientation towards building an R&D system, exploring participation in the semiconductor value chain, to forming a digital ecosystem, issuing a comprehensive digital transformation plan, and deploying robotics at Lixco, DRC, DAP 2, and more—all show that Resolution 57 is being realised through practical steps in research, management, and production.

These initial results are compelling evidence of the Party’s sound direction on science, technology, innovation, digital transformation, and the leading role of the state sector.

More importantly, this demonstrates that defending the Party’s ideological foundation is not an abstract concept, but must be manifested in tangible development achievements; in business performance; in technological autonomy. From these advances and results, there is every reason to believe that Vinachem will not only remain a pillar of the Vietnamese chemical industry, but will also become a major centre of industrial innovation, contributing to the realisation of a self-reliant, modern, green, and sustainable Vietnamese industry in the digital era.