Vietnam’s Roadmap to Digital Transformation by 2025
Vietnam is undergoing a technological revolution that is reshaping every aspect of society, from government operations to private sector services and citizen engagement. As part of its ambitious national vision, the country has outlined a comprehensive digital transformation strategy that aims to make Vietnam a fully digital society by 2030. The immediate milestone? A robust transformation phase that concludes in 2025. In this blog, we explore Vietnam’s roadmap to digital transformation by 2025, key pillars of the plan, achievements so far, and the challenges that lie ahead.
The Vision Behind Digital Transformation in Vietnam
Vietnam’s digital transformation strategy is part of its broader national development agenda. The government aims to harness the power of digital technologies to drive socio-economic growth, enhance governance, and elevate the quality of life for its citizens. The plan sets forth three core pillars:
- Digital Government
- Digital Economy
- Digital Society
By 2025, Vietnam aims to become one of the top 50 countries in e-government rankings, establish a robust digital infrastructure, and ensure that over 80% of public services are available online and accessed via digital platforms.
Key Goals of Vietnam’s Digital Transformation by 2025
To guide its transformation, Vietnam has laid out specific objectives and performance indicators:
- Achieve 100% digital transformation of governmental operations at the central level.
- Digitize 90% of citizen data and integrate it into national digital platforms.
- Grow the digital economy to account for at least 20% of GDP.
- Ensure 100% of enterprises use digital tools in management and operations.
- Universalize access to broadband internet in all urban and rural areas.
- Train and reskill at least 70% of the workforce in digital skills.
These goals are supported by strategic policies, public-private partnerships, and international cooperation.
Pillar 1: Building a Digital Government
One of the foremost goals of digital transformation in Vietnam is creating a transparent, efficient, and citizen-centric digital government. Several initiatives are already in progress:
National Digital Platform: The government has launched a national platform that centralizes citizen data, government services, and administrative procedures.
Online Public Services: As of 2023, over 80% of public services are accessible online, with plans to reach near-universal digital accessibility by 2025.
e-Government Infrastructure: Tools like electronic identification (e-ID), digital signatures, and government cloud infrastructure are being deployed nationwide by Data Analytics.
Pillar 2: Fostering a Digital Economy
Vietnam is leveraging its dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem and young, tech-savvy population to build a thriving digital economy. Key initiatives include:
Support for Startups: Government-backed programs provide funding, mentoring, and training for digital startups.
E-commerce Growth: E-commerce in Vietnam is projected to surpass USD 39 billion by 2025, driven by increasing internet penetration and mobile payments.
SME Digitization: Initiatives like the “SME Digital Transformation Support Program” aim to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) adopt digital tools for efficiency and competitiveness.
The Ministry of Information and Communications has also outlined the development of “Make in Vietnam” tech products to reduce reliance on foreign technologies and promote domestic innovation.
Pillar 3: Creating a Digital Society
A successful digital transformation strategy is incomplete without engaging citizens. Vietnam is focused on making digital tools accessible to everyone:
Digital Literacy Campaigns: National programs are educating citizens on how to safely and effectively use digital tools.
Smart Cities: Cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang are leading smart city initiatives that integrate IoT, big data, and AI for better urban planning.
Healthcare and Education: Telemedicine platforms, online learning portals, and digital libraries are expanding access to healthcare and education, especially in remote areas.
Technological Infrastructure as the Backbone
For Vietnam’s digital transformation to succeed, a solid technological infrastructure is critical. Significant investments are being made in:
5G Deployment: Vietnam is among the early adopters of 5G in Southeast Asia, aiming for nationwide coverage by 2025.
Data Centers and Cloud Computing: The development of national data centers and the adoption of government cloud platforms enhance data security and scalability.
Cybersecurity: With digital expansion comes risk. Vietnam has launched a national cybersecurity strategy to protect its digital assets and citizen data.
Milestones and Achievements So Far
Launch of the National Public Service Portal (NPSP): A one-stop shop for accessing over 3,000 administrative services.
Digital ID System: The issuance of electronic IDs (eIDs) has simplified interactions between citizens and public services.
Smart Farming Initiatives: Using AI and IoT to improve agricultural yields and reduce waste.
Digital Payment Ecosystem: Mobile payment adoption has surged, with platforms like MoMo and ZaloPay leading the market.
Challenges on the Road to 2025
While progress is evident, several challenges remain:
Digital Divide: Disparities in digital access and literacy between urban and rural areas could slow progress.
Data Privacy and Security: As digital services expand, so does the risk of data breaches and cybercrime.
Workforce Readiness: A significant portion of the workforce lacks the necessary digital skills.
Regulatory Hurdles: Outdated laws and regulations can hinder the implementation of innovative solutions.
Addressing these issues requires coordinated efforts from the government, private sector, and civil society.
The Role of International Partnerships
Vietnam is actively collaborating with international partners to boost its digital transformation journey. Agreements with countries like South Korea, Japan, and members of the EU focus on:
- Technology transfer and infrastructure development.
- Joint research and development (R&D) initiatives.
- Exchange programs to build human resource capacity in digital skills.
Additionally, Vietnam is aligning its digital transformation efforts with global standards and practices to remain competitive on the international stage.
Looking Ahead: Vision for 2030 and Beyond
While 2025 is a critical milestone, Vietnam’s digital transformation strategy extends to 2030, aiming for a complete digital ecosystem. Goals include:
- Becoming a regional leader in digital technology development.
- Expanding the digital economy to account for 30% of GDP.
- Establishing world-class digital infrastructure.
Building a fully digital workforce equipped with future-ready skills.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s journey toward digital transformation by 2025 is both ambitious and inspiring. By building a digital government, fostering a digital economy, and creating a digitally inclusive society, Vietnam is positioning itself as a technology-driven nation. While challenges remain, the nation’s strategic approach, coupled with strong leadership and international cooperation, sets a solid foundation for a successful transformation.
As we move closer to 2025, the momentum must continue. The future of digital transformation in Vietnam holds the promise of a more efficient, inclusive, and innovative society—one that not only competes globally but also improves the lives of its people through technology.
