Vietnam is advancing its Digital Transformation Agenda (DTA) while facing risks such as privacy concerns, data security, and digital exclusion. The DTA focuses on digital government, economy, and society, with significant growth in digital payments. Ho Chi Minh City aims for a paperless government, while financial inclusion efforts contribute to digital engagement. Ongoing educational initiatives in digital skills are vital for equitable access to digital technologies.
Vietnam is addressing significant risks and challenges related to its Digital Transformation Agenda (DTA). Key issues include privacy, data security, skills gaps, and the risk of exclusion from the digital ecosystem, requiring proactive government intervention. The Ministry of Information and Communication oversees the DTA, structured around three core pillars: digital government, digital economy, and digital society, each crucial for achieving Vietnam’s strategic development objectives.
The digital government pillar aims to streamline public services and enhance citizen interactions, yielding commendable results. A strategic framework aims for nationwide digital access to government services by year’s end. However, shortcomings like inadequate digital infrastructure in rural areas and inconsistent service quality present major barriers, exacerbating the digital divide in some regions.
In terms of the digital economy, Vietnam has witnessed considerable growth in digital commerce and payments, supported by a 79.1% internet penetration rate. The digital economy was valued at around $166.4 billion in 2022, contributing 14.26% of the GDP, with expectations to reach 30% by 2030. Despite governmental support for startups and digital investments, challenges remain, necessitating targeted interventions to bridge skill gaps and enhance the digital ecosystem.
The third pillar, digital society, is interconnected with the digital economy, where inadequate digital skills can hinder technology adoption. Efforts are underway to promote digital literacy, ensuring equal access to digitalization benefits for all citizens. However, concerns around digital identity risks and cybercrime must be monitored as these efforts proceed.
Ho Chi Minh City exemplifies progress on the DTA, aiming for paperless governance by 2025. The city plans to establish a Digital Transformation Centre, implement seven digital platforms, and upgrade infrastructure alongside reskilling initiatives. These efforts are designed to realize a fully digital government.
Financial inclusion is a significant achievement in Vietnam’s digital transformation. An estimated 87% of the population is banked, with about 95% of transactions conducted digitally. The interbank digital payment system processes around VND 830 trillion daily, and initiatives like the National Payments Corporation of Vietnam have enabled over 9.56 billion digital transactions.
As the digital transformation continues, establishing a robust national digital database and management system is crucial. The national identity database recently enrolled 70 million individuals, which is vital for integrating services into digital applications like VNeID, enhancing access to governmental operations.
Vietnam’s Digital Transformation Agenda, driven by the Ministry of Information and Communication, aims to address various risks associated with digitalization while fostering development across three main pillars. The transition to a digital economy presents both substantial opportunities and serious challenges that require careful planning, policy adjustments, and investment in infrastructure and human capital. As Vietnam navigates these issues, equal access to digital services is a primary focus to ensure inclusivity and economic advancement.
Vietnam’s success in digital transformation relies on addressing critical challenges including infrastructure disparities, skills gaps, and privacy issues. Through an integrated approach that strengthens digital government initiatives, fosters economic growth, and promotes digital literacy, the nation seeks to create a digitally inclusive environment. As cities like Ho Chi Minh progress towards paperless administration and the digital economy flourishes, maintaining focus on the necessary supports and infrastructure will be crucial for sustained growth and success.
Original Source: www.biometricupdate.com
