Vietnam PM Calls for Stronger Action to Accelerate Digital Economy and Society Development
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on Saturday called for stronger and more decisive measures to advance the development of Việtnam’s digital economy, digital society and digital citizens, outlining major orientations for the country’s digital transformation.
Concluding the third National Forum on Digital Economy and Digital Society, the Prime Minister stressed the need for Việtnam to pioneer in institution-building, technology development, digital infrastructure, data governance and social responsibility in the digital environment.
He set the goal of building modern and seamless digital infrastructure, high-quality, shared and standardised data systems, a skilled digital workforce with universal digital literacy, strong Vietnamese digital technology enterprises, and a safe, humane and civilised digital environment.
The Government leader highlighted the importance of developing a system with no paperwork, cash or administrative boundaries in transactions; no limits to development; no corruption, wastefulness or group interests; no fragmentation or isolation; and ensuring that no one is left behind.
Prime Minister Chính affirmed that digital transformation has brought about clear changes in both awareness and action, spreading to “every household and every citizen,” strengthening confidence among people and businesses, and creating new momentum for rapid and sustainable socio-economic development. He noted that digital transformation aligns well with the strengths of the Vietnamese people, including creativity, diligence and a strong learning spirit.
A report presented at the forum showed that Việtnam’s digital economy has recorded rapid progress in recent years, with institutional frameworks and policies continuously reviewed and improved to remove bottlenecks and mobilise resources.
Digital infrastructure has made significant strides in both capacity and quality. According to the report, Việt Nam’s mobile internet speed in 2025 ranked among the world’s top 20. National and sectoral data centres have come into operation, international connectivity has more than doubled compared with late 2020, and preparations for satellite internet services are underway.
The digital economy has increasingly emerged as a key growth engine. The number of digital technology enterprises rose from 58,000 in 2020 to around 80,000 this year. Exports of digital technology products were estimated at US$172 billion this year, more than 1.7 times higher than in 2020, while e-commerce revenue reached approximately US$36 billion, triple the level of five years ago. Cashless payments have become widespread nationwide, alongside the effective implementation of digital tax administration and e-invoicing.
Meanwhile, digital society development has seen digital technologies permeate daily life, improving connectivity, digital skills and access to public and private services. The national population database has proven highly effective, while the VNeID platform has been widely adopted by citizens and businesses, integrating services in finance, banking, education and healthcare.
Despite these achievements, Prime Minister Chính acknowledged remaining shortcomings, including bottlenecks in institutions, policies, infrastructure and human resources, as well as limited creativity and research and development capacity.
He reaffirmed that developing the digital economy and digital society is an inevitable trend and a strategic choice for Việt Nam, serving as a decisive driver for economic restructuring, productivity and competitiveness gains, and the pursuit of double-digit growth in the coming period.
The Prime Minister urged accelerated digital transformation across all sectors, stronger development of an inclusive and humane digital society, rapid digitalisation and restructuring in industry, high-tech agriculture and smart rural areas, and the building of modern digital service ecosystems, with finance, logistics and tourism identified as key breakthroughs.
He also called for faster digital transformation to optimise public services, ensure inclusive digital social security and improve quality of life, alongside improved institutions, finalisation of the 2026–2030 digital economy and society programme, and the development of a national data economy framework.
Emphasising the need to strengthen digital infrastructure and skills, the Prime Minister urged reskilling of workers affected by artificial intelligence, greater support for digital enterprises—especially small and medium-sized firms—and robust measures to ensure cybersecurity, digital sovereignty and inclusive digital literacy.
Expressing confidence in the country’s prospects, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính said that with renewed determination and concerted action by all stakeholders, Việtnam will build a strong, inclusive, sustainable and equitable digital economy, digital society and digital citizenship, contributing to a prosperous, civilised and happy nation.
