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Vietnam stands at the cusp of a transformative era, where technological advancements are poised to reshape its societal landscape. In a pivotal move, the Prime Minister of Vietnam issued Decision 36/QD-TTg, sanctioning the Information and Communication (IC) Infrastructure Plan for the Period of 2021 – 2030, with a Vision to 2050. This landmark decision charts a strategic course for Vietnam’s IT infrastructure, heralding a high-tech future and addressing the pressing challenges posed by an ageing population and the evolving needs of a digital society.
Central to Decision 36 is the imperative to fortify Vietnam’s digital infrastructure, ensuring seamless connectivity and fostering innovation across various sectors. The plan outlines ambitious objectives to enhance data security, streamline data management processes, and catalyse the development of Vietnam’s IT industry. Specifically, the document lays out key goals and frameworks for telecommunications infrastructure, data centres, and cloud computing infrastructure, delineating a comprehensive roadmap for progress.
One of the pivotal objectives outlined in the Information and Communication Infrastructure Plan is to accelerate smartphone penetration and achieve universal smartphone ownership among Vietnam’s adult population.
The plan also sets forth ambitious targets to bolster Vietnam’s telecommunications infrastructure, aiming to ensure universal access to high-speed internet and ubiquitous connectivity across the nation. By 2025, the goals include achieving 100% fibre optic cable coverage for households and enhancing fixed internet and mobile broadband speeds
Furthermore, the plan envisions robust internet connectivity for urban areas and key economic hubs, alongside the expansion of international internet cables to reinforce Vietnam’s global connectivity.
By 2030, the focus will shift to accelerating the expansion of fixed broadband networks and ensuring widespread 5G mobile broadband coverage, in addition to augmenting international undersea fibre optic cables.
Recognising the pivotal role of cloud computing and data centres in driving digital transformation, Decision 36 outlines strategic goals to bolster these critical sectors. By 2025, Vietnam aims to establish national multi-purpose data centre clusters and regional data centres tailored for financial centres, alongside encouraging widespread adoption of cloud computing services among Vietnamese businesses. These initiatives are poised to enhance data storage, processing capabilities and foster innovation across various industries.
The plan presents a myriad of opportunities for foreign firms to contribute to Vietnam’s technological advancement, encompassing software provision, service delivery, and infrastructure development. While foreign investment is welcomed, certain restrictions exist, particularly in non-facilities-based telecommunications services.
However, signatories to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) enjoy more favourable investment conditions, signalling Vietnam’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for foreign participation in its IC industry.
Crucially, Decision 36 is complemented by key regulations aimed at safeguarding data security and privacy. The Personal Data Protection Decree and data localisation requirements underscore Vietnam’s commitment to ensuring the responsible handling of personal data and reinforcing cybersecurity measures. These regulations provide a robust framework for navigating the evolving regulatory landscape and promoting trust in Vietnam’s burgeoning digital ecosystem.
Decision 36 delineates a comprehensive framework for advancing Vietnam’s IC industry, presenting abundant opportunities for foreign firms seeking to capitalise on the nation’s technological ambitions. As Vietnam embarks on this transformative journey, advisory support from experts such as Dezan Shira and Associates becomes invaluable, providing businesses with the necessary guidance and insights to navigate the intricacies of Vietnam’s burgeoning IT landscape and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.
OpenGov Asia reported that Vietnam is also looking to assert its presence on the global stage by promoting the success of its digital technology enterprises and fostering international recognition of its digital economy. Deputy Minister of Information and Communications, Phan Tâm, underscored the crucial role of these enterprises during a recent conference on global digital cooperation, emphasising their significance for the nation’s economic stability and longevity.
