Prime Minister Calls for Streamlined, Data-Driven Government
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has urged that science-technology development, innovation, and digital transformation must place citizens at the center, reduce administrative procedures, and develop comprehensive digital citizenship. This vision is guided by the principles of streamlined apparatus, connected data, and smart governance.
While chairing the first meeting of the Government steering committee for the development of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, and Project No. 06 on March 18, the Prime Minister called for a decisive shift toward proactive public services to better serve citizens and businesses.
PM Chinh, who also heads the committee, commended the efforts of ministries, sectors, and localities, as well as the participation of citizens and enterprises in advancing these initiatives, particularly Project No.06 on developing resident data, electronic identification, and authentication applications for national digital transformation in the 2022-2025 period, with a vision to 2030.
Significant Progress in Digital Transformation
The Prime Minister highlighted that related institutions, mechanisms, and policies have been completed, resulting in significant strides in digital transformation. Vietnam has officially commercialized 5G telecommunications services and seen e-commerce reach $28 billion in 2024, a 36% increase. The ICT industry recorded a revenue of $152 billion in the same year, with the semiconductor industry contributing $18.7 billion, and software and IT services $18 billion. Major tech giants like Marvell and SK Hynix have expanded their investments in the country.
To date, 379 out of 1,084 administrative procedures have been simplified, with implementation rates reaching 89% across ministries and agencies. All 63 cities and provinces have issued resolutions to reduce or waive fees for citizens and businesses when conducting administrative procedures.
Project 06 Achievements
Project 06 has shown tangible results, with Vietnam completing the issuance of 100% of chip-based citizen ID cards, activating over 61 million electronic identity accounts, and providing 40 utilities on the VNeID application. Online public services have been perfected, with 58 out of 76 essential online public services now available.
PM Chinh also emphasized Vietnam’s remarkable progress in international digital transformation rankings, climbing 15 places to rank 71st out of 193 countries in the E-Government Development Index 2024, rising 2 places to 44th out of 133 in the Global Innovation Index 2024, and jumping 8 places to rank 17th out of 194 in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024.
Addressing Limitations and Future Directions
Despite these achievements, the Prime Minister pointed out several limitations that need to be addressed, including incomplete institutional frameworks, policies lagging behind practical needs, delayed implementation of related programs, and human resources falling short of requirements.
To address these challenges, he called for the completion of institutional frameworks, development of comprehensive infrastructure with 5G coverage, expansion of fiber optic networks, and development of satellites. He emphasized the need to promote human resources training in all sectors while accelerating non-cash payment and opening data exchange platforms.
The Prime Minister ordered the development of a national program for strategic technology and industry development, including a project to develop a system of research centers, testing facilities, and key national laboratories focused on strategic technologies. He also called for the establishment of large-scale strategic technology companies to develop digital infrastructure, human resources, data, strategic technologies, and cybersecurity.
Additionally, he directed the establishment of a strategic industry development investment fund and a digital government development program to implement a paperless government and conduct management and administration in a data-driven electronic environment. The national data center should be operational by 2025, connecting with data from all ministries, localities, and departments.
PM Chinh stated that all airports, ports, and border gates must apply biometric technology and the VNeID platform in 2025. He instructed agencies to accelerate Project No. 06 implementation, with specific solutions, detailed roadmaps, and clear responsibilities.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the development of science, technology, innovation, national digital transformation, administrative reform, and the implementation of Project 06 will continue to see strong, comprehensive, and sustainable changes, making important contributions to socio-economic development and improving people’s lives.
