Digital economy is targeted to contribute around 30% of GDP

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung has signed Decision No. 1033/QD-TTg approving the Digital Economy and Digital Society Development Programme for the 2026–2030 period.

The programme aims to build a dynamic digital economy based on digital platforms, data, and artificial intelligence, gradually establishing new modes of production, promoting innovation in growth models, improving labour productivity, and supporting green and sustainable development.

At the same time, it seeks to create a modern, safe, and inclusive digital society, ensuring that all citizens have access to and benefit from the achievements of science, technology, and digital transformation, thereby improving quality of life and public well-being.

Regarding the digital economy, the programme targets a value-added contribution from the sector to reach approximately 30% of GDP; seeks to support at least 500,000 small and medium-sized enterprises in digital transformation; aims to establish at least five digital technology enterprises on par with those in advanced economies; and plans to develop, promote, and operationalise at least five data exchanges.

The value of cashless payments is expected to reach 30 times the national GDP. The proportion of higher education enrolment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines is targeted to reach 40%.

Regarding the digital society, the programme aims for 100% of households to have access to fibre-optic broadband Internet with speeds of 1 Gb/s. Mobile 5G broadband networks are expected to achieve minimum speeds of 100 Mb/s and cover 99% of the population.

It also targets 100% of Vietnamese citizens aged 14 and above to hold an identity card and an electronic identification account; 95% of the population aged 15 and above to have a bank account or an account with another authorised financial institution; more than 70% of citizens aged 18 and above to possess a digital or electronic signature; and at least 10 million working-age people to receive training and capacity-building in basic digital skills.

To achieve these objectives, the programme outlines 15 key tasks and solutions, including improving institutions and establishing a synchronised and transparent legal framework; developing digital infrastructure that is high-speed, integrated, modern, secure, and sustainable; and building shared digital platforms, national digital platforms, and a digital ecosystem domestically controlled by Viet Nam, prioritising solutions to cross-sectoral and inter-regional economic, social, and environmental challenges.

The programme also seeks to develop the data economy into a new resource and a key driver of digital economic growth; promote the application of artificial intelligence (AI) across sectors to improve productivity, optimise operations, and transform data-driven decision-making; strengthen cybersecurity to build digital trust in the development of the digital economy and digital society; develop a comprehensive digital workforce, including digital technology professionals, digital experts, and workers equipped with digital competencies; and expand digital literacy throughout society.

Another group of tasks and solutions focuses on developing Vietnamese digital technology enterprises into a core force capable of mastering strategic digital technologies, building ecosystems of key “Make in Vietnam” digital products and services, and expanding into international markets.

In particular, the programme emphasises leveraging the leadership role of major technology companies and state-owned enterprises in promoting innovation and deepening their participation in global value chains.