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As Vietnam strides into 2024, the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) stands poised at the forefront of an ambitious agenda aimed at propelling the nation into a new era of digital advancement. Minister Nguyen Manh Hung has articulated a comprehensive vision, emphasising the pivotal role of digital infrastructure and applications in steering the country towards economic prosperity, elevated labour productivity, and societal progression.
In a meeting dedicated to reviewing the achievements of 2023 and charting the path for the forthcoming year, Minister Hung underscored the transformative potential of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Celebrating the milestones of 2023, such as the sector’s remarkable surge in total revenue, reaching an impressive VND 3.74 quadrillion with a notable 1.49% increase from the previous year, was indeed a testament to the sector’s resilience and growth. Moreover, the substantial contribution of approximately VND 99.3 trillion (about US$ 4.09 billion) to the state budget underscored the sector’s economic significance.
The MIC’s strategic focus on the national digital transformation campaign in 2023 yielded positive outcomes, fostering a robust digital ecosystem encompassing the government, economy, and society. This concerted effort is also aimed at nurturing and bolstering the growth of resilient digital technology enterprises within Vietnam.
Strengthening the legislative framework was a key priority, exemplified by the passage of pivotal laws like the Electronic Transactions Law and the Telecommunications Law by the 15th National Assembly. This commitment underscored the government’s proactive stance in enhancing the legal infrastructure to align with evolving technological landscapes.
The exponential growth of e-commerce within the postal sector significantly contributed to driving the digital economy, witnessing an impressive 9.3% revenue increase, soaring to VND 58.9 trillion VND (about US$ 2.42 billion). Despite Vietnam’s status as a developing nation, the strides made in telecommunications and digital infrastructure are commendable, boasting an astounding 99.8% 4G coverage rate that surpasses even that of developed countries.
Continuing on this trajectory, ongoing 5G trials spanning 59 localities, coupled with an extensive 99.8% population coverage for 4G, underscore Vietnam’s relentless pursuit of technological advancement. The surge in smartphone users, currently pegged at 84.4%, aligns seamlessly with the sector’s ambitious goal of achieving universal smartphone penetration by the year’s end in 2024.
Vietnam’s burgeoning digital technology sector witnessed a meteoric rise in revenue, totalling an impressive US$ 142 billion, with the nation contributing an impressive 28.7% to the global digital technology market.
The relentless emphasis on internet information security is palpable, reflected in the successful blocking of over 9,000 law-violating websites, effectively safeguarding over 10 million citizens from accessing illicit online platforms.
The publishing sector experienced a significant surge in audiobook revenue, doubling from the previous year, while electronic publishing activities surpassed targets, witnessing a commendable 31.4% increase in e-book titles published, constituting 15.3% of the total published products.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang echoed Minister Hung’s sentiments, highlighting the pivotal role of the information technology sector in propelling Vietnam’s development forward. Quang stressed that digital transformation is the linchpin of administrative reform, stressing the imperative of aligning policies with international standards. He urged the expedited formulation of new decrees and regulations to facilitate and expedite this transformation.
Additionally, Quang highlighted the need for tailor-made mechanisms to cater to specific sectors, highlighting the rectification of media irregularities and reorganisation of media agencies. He also underscored the enduring societal value of books, calling for a greater focus on book publishing, which remains an integral part of Vietnamese social life.
The MIC’s comprehensive roadmap for 2024 signifies a determined and concerted effort towards embracing and harnessing the potential of technology to propel Vietnam into the digital age. This ambitious agenda not only aligns the nation with global digital transformation trends but also serves as a testament to Vietnam’s commitment to economic growth, technological innovation, and societal progress.
