PM urges all-out efforts for digital transformation

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called for more drastic efforts and resolve to accelerate the digital transformation that has contributed to creating new motives for the nation development while chairing the Government’s hybrid conference with leaders of ministries and sectors and chairmen of the People’s Committees of the centrally-run cities and provinces on July 19.

PM Chinh, who is also Chairman of the National Committee on Digital Transformation, pointed out five focuses for digital transformation, namely developing digital human resources, citizens, skills and talent; prioritising resources for the development of digital economy and Government; branching out digital infrastructure in a comprehensive, rational and effective manner; digitalising and applying artificial intelligence in management; and completing mechanisms, policies and institutions for digital transformation towards enhanced decentralisation.

The PM requested promoting the pioneering role of officials holding leading positions in digital transformation, accelerating the completion of institutions and mechanisms to bolster the process in accordance with international practice, bolstering the development of digital economy, society and citizens, strengthening cyber security, information safety and national cyber sovereignty while stepping up the building of the digital culture, contributing to developing the Vietnamese culture imbued with the national identity amidst international integration.

He highlighted that digital transformation must be carried out harmoniously and effectively in all ministries, sectors, branches and localities to ensure that people and businesses benefit from the achievements that the process has carved out, while resources must be arranged for the process, particularly the development of digital infrastructure and platforms, and human resources training.

All essential public services, he said, must go online to assure easy access and cost savings for residents, adding due attention should be paid to ensuring resources for digital transformation and emerging economic sectors, as well as the harmonious interests of the State, people and businesses, contributing to fostering sustainable economic development.

He went on to order all ministers, heads of sectors, and chairmen of the People’s Committees of cities and provinces to handle their work on the digital environment and use e-signatures by the end of this year, and officials and staff at lower levels by June 2025.

At the event, participants discussed and evaluated the current digital transformation, proposed solutions to accelerate the process in the coming time, particularly building and connecting database, applying technological platforms in administrative management, and developing digital infrastructure, among others.

Over the past time, Vietnam has witnessed strong development in digital government, with 43 out of 53 essential public services already available online.

Last year, the country shipped 117.3 billion USD worth of digital products abroad, and gained 13 billion USD in revenues from software and IT services. Many tech giants such as Samsung, LG, Intel, Foxconn and Amkor have invested in Vietnam while many others like Nvidia and Apple have committed to landing new investments in the nation, especially in the domains of electronics, semiconductor and AI research and development.

Meanwhile, e-commerce revenue rose to 20.5 billion USD in 2023 from 13.7 billion USD in 2021. Cashless payment has become common across the country, with 87% of adults having bank accounts, surpassing the target of 80% set for 2025. Essential database of population, tax, insurance, business and education-training have operated stably.