Over 92%, or 764,314, Vietnamese firms have registered to convert to using electronic invoices (e-invoices), according to the Deputy Head of the General Department of Taxation. Additionally, more than 52,770 business households and individuals nationwide have opted for e-invoices, a recent report stated.
The promotion of e-invoices is a key task of the tax sector in its attempt to digitally transform businesses, financial agencies, and state departments. The work will contribute to automating public and private services and management and organisation methods to reform administrative procedures, reduce costs, increase business productivity, and support e-commerce growth.
Vietnam launched its national e-invoice system in April and the government had said it targets having all businesses using e-invoices by the end of June. The project aimed to create an equal, transparent, and favourable business environment for people and enterprises, improving labour productivity and helping carry out the national digital transformation strategy.
In 2020, the Prime Minister approved the national digital transformation programme. Under it, departments and agencies will create and deploy technology-enabled solutions to deliver high-quality services, support efficient decision-making, formulate better policies, optimise resources, and aid socio-economic development. To this end, the government has developed several platforms and mobile applications, similar to the e-invoice system.
In March, the Ho Chi Minh City Municipal Department of Information and Communications officially put its digital transformation portal into operation. With modern, simple, and assessable user interface, the portal offers an overview of the city’s related plans, digital progress, news, and cooperation activities. The site also features a multi-media library. Through the portal, city leaders can receive ideas, suggestions, and plans from local residents, organisations, and businesses. City officials and civil servants can promptly systematise and adjust the municipal digital transformation documents, programmes, and projects.
The Department had also created a plan to develop artificial intelligence (AI) applications in public administration, transport, healthcare, banking, and industries. Under the plan, a database of all sectors will be shared among all the city’s administrative departments. Authorities are focussing on improving human resources through AI education and training and enhancing academic connections with foreign AI professionals.
Soon after this, Ha Long City deployed a smart app where citizens and businesses can contact authorities to report problems, access online public services, and seek routes to departmental headquarters, tourist attractions, hotels, educational institutes, and healthcare facilities. It also provides the latest news and information published by local administrations and media outlets.
As of April, the app recorded more than 33,000 downloads and registered over 800 accounts. Contact details for health stations (from the grassroots to provincial levels) have been made available so people can access COVID-19 treatment and advice quicker and more easily. As reported by OpenGov Asia, the application is part of the city’s intelligent operations centre (IOC), so all public opinions uploaded on the app will be sent to the centre and then to the concerned agencies. When the agency has addressed a grievance, the settlement results will be publicised for users to check and assess state agencies’ performance.
