National digital strategy development approved

Producing electronic components (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) - The national digital strategy aims to develop the information, communication and technology (ICT) digital economy with a focus on ‘Made-in-Vietnam’ businesses. The digital strategy is to create a platform to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and increase exports.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam has signed Directive No. 411/QD-TTg approving the national strategy on the digital economy and digital society to 2025, with vision to 2030.

Vietnam needs to seize opportunities to develop the digital economy and society, as well as develop new business sectors, explore new markets and occupations to increase its global ranking in the area.

Tasks in digital economy and society development have been a priority among national development strategies.

Digital development and momentum for growth on the foundation of digital technology and data will provide a pathway to Vietnam’s sustainable development. The country needs to become more adaptive and resilient in a world full of unforeseeable uncertainties.

The digital economy is seen as a way to increase incomes, helping Vietnam surpass the low middle income level by 2025, reach the upper middle income level by 2030 and the high income level by 2045.

Digital society development is expected to foster people’s happiness and engagement in social activities, and provide more favourable social welfare, contributing to helping Vietnam become a safe, humane and inclusive digital nation.

Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

According to the strategy, the digital economy comprises the ICT industry and telecommunication services; economic activities on digital platforms, and online systems linking demand and supply.

The strategy aims to develop the ICT digital economy with a focus on ‘Made-in-Vietnam’ digital technology products, and an increase in exports in harmony with attracting FDI.

Digital economic development will serve as an impetus for the development of a digital economy that prioritises the use of shared and synchronized platforms.

Basic targets on digital economic development to 2025 include digital economic growth accounting for 20 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). The digital economy needs to contribute at least 10 percent in each sector and field; and contributions of e-commerce in total retail sales exceeding 10 percent.

It also aims to have more than 80 percent of businesses use e-contracts; the rate of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) using digital platforms surpassing 50 percent; and that of digital economy personnel making up more than 2 percent of the workforce.

The strategy states that the development of the digital society goes hand in hand with fostering suitable cultural values in the digital age. This will create favourable conditions for people to access global cultural values so as to enrich Vietnamese people’s spiritual lives. It also aspires to uphold the creativity of people and protect citizens from risks posed by the digital society.

It aims to have 80 percent of the adult population owning smartphones by 2025 and the percentage of people aged 15 and above having transaction accounts at commercial banks near 80 percent. More than 50 percent of the adult population is expected to use digital and e-signatures by that year, while over 70 percent of people in the working age population will receive basic digital skill training.

The strategy stipulates that institutions, infrastructure, human resources, people and firms have a major role to play in the digital economy. It lists 16 task groups and eight solutions aiming to integrate digital technology and data into all aspects of business operations and people’s life. The Ministry of Information and Communications is responsible for the implementation of the strategy. Guidance will come from ministries to promote the digital economy and society, together with the national digital platform. It has been asked to keep a close watch and make annual reports to the Prime Minister on the implementation of the strategy./.