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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivered a resolute address at the ninth meeting of the National Committee on Digital Transformation, emphasising the pivotal role of placing people and enterprises at the core of Vietnam’s digital evolution.
Highlighting digital transformation as an inevitable trend and a strategic priority, PM Chinh, who chairs the committee, underscored the harmonious direction and management that have yielded tangible outcomes.
The meeting was marked by the issuance of five decisions, three directives, and three official dispatches, complemented by a comprehensive series of ministry-issued guidelines that have effectively steered digital transformation efforts throughout the first half of the year.
PM Chinh pointed to the robust expansion of Vietnam’s digital economy and society, noting that ICT firms achieved revenues exceeding 1.9 quadrillion VND (approximately 74.75 billion USD). The period from January to June also saw Vietnamese digital exports reach 64.8 billion USD, driven significantly by investments from global tech giants in key sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, and AI research and development.
Significant strides were highlighted in the distribution of social welfare, with over 1 million policy beneficiaries and 1.8 million retirees now receiving their funds through bank accounts. The management of tax revenues from e-commerce activities has similarly seen substantial improvements. Crucially, 43 essential public services are now accessible online, leading to annual savings estimated at 3.5 trillion VND.
While acknowledging the collective efforts of ministries, sectors, localities, and stakeholders in driving digital transformation, PM Chinh also addressed existing challenges. These include the imperative for strengthened legal frameworks, enhanced digital infrastructure, bolstered information security measures, and ongoing improvements in the quality and accessibility of online public services.
Looking forward, PM Chinh called on stakeholders to prioritise resources and implement cohesive digital transformation strategies across all sectors. He outlined ambitious targets for 2025, including the goal for all public services to be available online, 50% of the adult population to actively use online services, and significant reductions in administrative procedure timelines related to the population database.
PM Chinh reaffirmed Vietnam’s steadfast commitment to surpassing established targets within the national digital transformation programme. He stressed that digitalisation is not only pivotal in driving economic growth but also in shaping the future landscape of governance and society in Vietnam, fostering inclusivity and sustainable development.
By placing people and enterprises at the heart of these efforts, PM Chinh emphasised that Vietnam is well-positioned to harness the transformative power of digital technologies for the benefit of all its citizens.
PM Chinh’s views resonate not only domestically but also internationally, reflecting Vietnam’s strategic stance on harnessing digital transformation for inclusive growth and global competitiveness.
Its National Digital Transformation Programme underscores the nation’s proactive stance in leveraging digital technology to bridge socioeconomic disparities. Minister Counsellor Cung Duc Han, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, highlighted during the 56th session of the UN Human Rights Council the programme’s focus on expanding internet infrastructure to rural and underdeveloped areas.
This initiative aims to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status, can benefit equally from technological advancements. By enhancing digital literacy and connectivity, Vietnam is paving the way for an inclusive digital economy that leaves no one behind.
Vietnam is actively addressing the challenges posed by rapid internet and artificial intelligence (AI) development. Han stressed the need to harness these technologies to promote human rights while mitigating risks such as misinformation and digital divides. The country advocates for enhanced international cooperation to establish global standards that ensure sustainable technological development.
As Vietnam progresses towards its digital economy goals by 2025, initiatives in sectors like finance and banking are already demonstrating significant advancements, reflecting Vietnam’s commitment to leveraging technology for comprehensive economic growth and societal advancement.
