Vietnam’s Central Steering Committee Advances Science, Technology, and Digital Transformation
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: The Central Steering Committee for the Development of Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation held its second meeting in Hanoi on Tuesday, chaired by Party General Secretary Tô Lâm.
More than a month after the inaugural meeting on January 20, the committee has made significant strides. The establishment of a support team and the National Advisory Council, alongside the issuance of Resolution No. 193/2025/NQ-QH15, has introduced 12 pilot mechanisms and policies to institutionalize Resolution No. 57. This resolution, issued by the Politburo on December 22, 2024, aims to accelerate breakthroughs in science and technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. The new measures enable immediate implementation of key initiatives without awaiting parliamentary approval of new laws.
The digital transformation within Party agencies has seen initial positive changes. The implementation of Project 06 has improved governance and public services, laying the groundwork for a National Data Center. Administrative reforms and public service enhancements have gained public attention and feedback.
General Secretary Tô Lâm commended the efforts of the Party Committees of the Government, the National Assembly, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and other key agencies. However, he also pointed out existing challenges that could hinder progress.
He noted slow progress in leadership, direction, mindset renovation, and political determination, particularly at the senior level. Institutional frameworks and policies remain incomplete and inconsistent. Despite the passing of Resolution 193, certain critical issues in Resolution 57 remain unresolved.
A shortage of skilled human resources, particularly high-quality talent, poses a risk of stagnation. Infrastructure investment in internet connectivity, 5G networks, and data centers remains insufficient, while emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and big data have not received adequate attention. The digital transformation in government agencies and the quality of public services remain limited, especially in digitizing and restructuring processes for the digital environment.
The Party chief called for bold action in adopting science, technology, and innovation to enhance governance and services for businesses and citizens. He emphasized that 2025 marks the initial phase for setting directions and implementing policies that will lay the foundation for comprehensive development.
Looking ahead, he highlighted the need to align the implementation of Resolution 57 with Resolution 18, which seeks to streamline the political system’s organizational structure from central to grassroots levels while integrating science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. This approach will ensure synchronized operations across all levels of government.
He stressed the importance of promptly completing institutional frameworks, mechanisms, and policies while ensuring sufficient resources and personnel to implement Resolution 57 within the second quarter of 2025.
“This process will not only establish a robust legal framework but also eliminate obstacles to accelerate implementation,” he said, emphasizing the development of digital infrastructure, including a national data center, a national enterprise database, and a national land database. High-tech zones and the semiconductor industry will also be promoted.
He urged the selection and application of effective science, technology, and digital transformation solutions, calling for pilot programs that can be refined and expanded based on evaluation.
General Secretary Tô Lâm instructed the standing members of the Steering Committee to focus on resolving difficulties and considering recommendations from committee members. He assigned responsibilities to various Party Committees, commissions, and government offices, urging immediate implementation following the meeting.
He also called on provincial and municipal Party Committees to establish steering committees for science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, modeled after the Central Steering Committee, to align local initiatives with specific roadmaps and conditions.
The Party chief emphasized the importance of clear goals, detailed programs, and specific timelines for all agencies, with final action plans to be submitted for approval by April 2025 and regularly updated to address new developments.
He concluded by calling for seizing opportunities for innovation and digital transformation, emphasizing the need for responsibility and creativity. Turning Resolution No. 57 into concrete results, he stated, is crucial to Vietnam’s future development.
