Workshop spotlights digital transformation in Vietnam’s trade
A virtual workshop which revealed findings of a report on digital transformation in Vietnam’s trade sector for effective implementation of new generation free trade agreements (FTAs) was held on December 13.
CIEM Director Tran Thi Hong Minh speaks at the event (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – A virtual workshop which revealed findings of a report on digital transformation in Vietnam’s trade sector for effective implementation of new generation free trade agreements (FTAs) was held on December 13.
The event, organised by the Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM), was part of activities within the framework of the “Macroeconomic Reforms/Green Growth Programme” implemented by German development cooperation agency (GIZ).
Uncertainti😼es triggered by COVID-19 since last year have sped up digital transformation and 𓆏digital economic partnership, CIEM Director Tran Thi Hong Minh said.
Seizing digital transformation trends and practices in commerce will foster innovation and resilience of Vietnamese businesses at large and trade activities in particular. Vietnam needs to exert efforts to fine-tune its policies in a bid to foster digital transformation in a fast and practical manner amid demand for effective implementation of new generation FTAs like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the EU-Vietnam FTA (EVFTA). The report analysed global trends and experience in digital transformation facilitating trade in the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, China, EU and Singapore. It reviewed legal framework, implementation and requirements to bolster the process in line with commitments stated in the FTAs, as well as development of some fields of innovation serving the work, namely digital infrastructure-telecommunication, fintech and logistics. Vietnam is advised to build an effective roadmap conducive for digital transformation in trade in the coming time, while ensuring cyber security and safety, and completing policies on competitive edge, tax regulations on e-commerce platforms and Intellectual property protection, among others./.
Digital transformation, digital platforms and digital economy are viewed as engines for the economic recovery and development in Vietnam at the time of COVID-19, CEO of Grab Vietnam Nguyen Thai Hai Van told a seminar on December 6.
The Ministry of Planning and Investment together with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) held a workshop entitled ‘Supporting Small and Medium Enterprises in Adapting to the New Normal’ on December 8.
In 2021, Vietnam recorded 5,600 newly-established digital technology businesses, stemming from the need to work, sell and communicate online in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Digital transformation must serve all aspects of life, for the sake of Vietnamese people’s happiness and national prosperity, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has affirmed.
Vietnamese businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), must embrace digital and AI transformations to remain competitive and achieve sustainable growth, experts said.
Under the European Union (EU)’s global initiative on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence (CoE), Vietnam has implemented numerous projects aimed at strengthening national capacity in detecting, preventing, and preparing for CBRN-related threats.
The course aims to promote knowledge exchange between scientific and educational schools from different countries, while deepening participants’ expertise in modern technology and technical education. It comprises two main specialisations of electronics-automation and nuclear technology.
ANTARA and VNA can design global-scale cooperation programmes or joint media campaigns, demonstrating the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia, as well as the cooperation between the two national news agencies.
As Vietnam’s digital transformation accelerates, both the frequency and severity of cyberattacks are growing. The National Cybersecurity Association (NCA) reported that in 2024 alone, there were some 659,000 separate cybersecurity incidents, impacting around 46.15% of government agencies and businesses.
A key highlight will be the technology cluster pavilion, showcasing top enterprises selected for their innovation, market potential, and practical applications. These firms will display flagship products and solutions, supported by government policies to strengthen the tech sector.
Since 2022, more than 500 Vietnamese startups have engaged in Google’s Startup Academy, Google for Startups Accelerator, and Google Startup Masterclass. Nearly 100 of these firms received support to develop and improve their products, benefiting more than 300,000 customers and creating over 300 new jobs through successful fundraising and team expansion amidst Vietnam’s competitive economy.
Over the past three decades, Binh Duong has cemented its status as one of Vietnam’s most dynamic industrial hubs, building a robust foundation in manufacturing, exports, and investment. The province now has 30 operational industrial parks spanning over 13,000 hectares, with an occupancy rate exceeding 90%.
The diplomat emphasised that Vietnam places the highest priority on the development of science, technology, and innovation, viewing them as critical drivers for the country’s advancement in the new development era.
The PM revealed Vietnam’s plan to develop nuclear power in the near future, and called on the Swedish side to assist Vietnam in developing and refining legal and policy frameworks for the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes; training and developing human resources; ensuring nuclear safety; and conducting training and drills to improve incident management capabilities.
More than an art showcase, the second “Technology with heart” contest seeks to inspire innovation and spotlight the humanistic values that technology can bring into daily life, expected to contribute to a sustainable digital future.
The average speed of the national mobile broadband network remained stable, with download speeds reaching 76.86 Mbps and upload speeds reaching 26.98 Mbps.
Under the MoU, AMD will support several key initiatives spearheaded by HCM City’s authorities, including piloting policies, co-hosting innovation events, and evaluating the investment environment within the Saigon Hi-Tech Park.
The centre is a joint initiative between Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, with PTIT and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) serving as co-leads, and global telecommunications giant Nokia as founding industry partner.
The new centre, staffed by a team of scientists, researchers, and AI specialists working in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, forms part of Qualcomm’s global AI research group.
As a flagship initiative of the community project “Digital Literacy for All”, the programme forms part of a national scheme to equip 20 million young people with digital business skills.
The organisers hope the competition will help shape a generation of exceptional engineers who will make significant contributions to Vietnam’s scientific and technological progress in this era of transformation.
In the digital age and amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution, IP plays an increasingly critical role, not only in safeguarding inventions but also in reducing copyright infringement and curbing piracy.
CIEM Director Tran Thi Hong Minh speaks at the event (Photo: VNA) 
