At the December 20 event, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh underlined the need to pioneer in institution-building, technology development, digital infrastructure, data development, and social responsibility in the digital environment.

The third National Forum on Digital Economy and Digital
Society took place in Hanoi on December 20, under the chair Prime
Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

The Prime Minister was quoted by the Vietnam News Agency as calling
for stronger and more decisive action to develop the digital economy, digital
society and digital citizens, outlining major orientations for the country in
the work.

 The PM underlined the
need to pioneer in institution-building, technology development, digital
infrastructure, data development, and social responsibility in the digital
environment.

He set a goal for Vietnam to have modern and seamless digital
infrastructure, high-quality, shared and standardized data, a skilled digital
workforce with universal digital literacy, strong Vietnamese digital technology
enterprises, and a safe, humane and civilized digital environment.

The PM pointed to the need to have a system with no
paperwork, cash or administrative boundaries in transactions; no limits in
development; no corruption, wastefulness or group interests; no fragmentation
or isolation; and leaving no one behind.

He 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 momentum for rapid and sustainable socio-economic development.

The PM stressed that digital transformation aligns well with
the strengths of the Vietnamese people, including creativity, diligence and a
strong learning spirit.

A report at the forum showed that Vietnam’s digital economy
has recorded rapid progress in recent years. Institutional frameworks and
policies have been continuously reviewed and improved to remove bottlenecks and
mobilize resources.

Digital infrastructure has made a significant leap in
capacity and quality, with Vietnam’s mobile internet speed in 2025 ranking
among the world’s top 20. National and sectoral data centers have come into
operation, international connectivity has more than doubled compared with late
2020, and satellite internet services are being actively prepared.

The digital economy has increasingly asserted itself as a
key growth engine. The number of digital technology enterprises rose from
58,000 in 2020 to around 80,000 in 2025. Exports of digital technology products
were estimated at $172 billion in 2025, up more than 1.7 times from 2020, while
e-commerce revenue reached approximately $36 billion, three times higher than
five years earlier. Cashless payments have become widespread nationwide,
alongside 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 become widely used by citizens and
businesses, integrating services in finance, banking, education and health
care.

Although acknowledging the achievements, PM Chinh pointed to
certain shortcomings, including bottlenecks in institutions, policies,
infrastructure and human resources, as well as modest creativity, research and
development capacity.

He reaffirmed that developing the digital economy and digital
society is an inevitable trend and a strategic choice for Vietnam. It is also a
decisive driver for restructuring the economy, boosting productivity and
competitiveness, and achieving double-digit growth in the coming period.

He urged accelerated digital transformation across all
sectors, stronger development of inclusive and humane digital society, rapid digitalization
and restructuring in industry, high-tech agriculture and smart rural areas, and
the building of modern digital service ecosystems, with finance, logistics and
tourism as key breakthroughs.

The PM urged faster digital transformation to optimize
public services, ensure inclusive digital social security and improve quality
of life. He called for improved institutions, finalization of the 2026–2030
digital economy and society program, and development of a national data economy
framework.

He stressed the need to strengthen digital infrastructure
and skills, reskilling workers affected by AI, supporting digital enterprises,
especially SMEs, and ensuring cybersecurity, digital sovereignty and inclusive
digital literacy.

He expressed confidence that with renewed determination and
concerted action by all stakeholders, Vietnam will develop a strong, inclusive,
sustainable and equitable digital economy, digital society and digital
citizenship, contributing to a prosperous, civilized and happy nation.

VNA-Khanh Chi