2nd NATIONAL FORUM ON DIGITAL ECONOMY & SOCIETY

Nov 21, 2024

On November 14th, 2024, World Trade Center Binh Duong New City was honored to be the venue for the 2nd National Forum on Digital Economy & Society Development , in attendance of Mr. Nguyen Hoa Binh, Standing Deputy Prime Minister; Mr. Nguyen Manh Hung, Minister of Information and Communications; Mr. Thai Thanh Quy, Permanent Deputy Head of the Central Economic Commission; Ms. Tran Thi Dieu Thuy, Vice Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee; Mr. Nguyen Van Loi, Secretary of Binh Duong Party Committee; Mr. Vo Van Minh, Chairman of Binh Duong People's Committee; along with key provincial leaders and representatives from major businesses.

Following the success of the forum held in 2023, this year's forum is scheduled to include 1 High-Level Forum Session, 3 Specialized Workshops, and 1 International Exhibition in September 2024 in Binh Duong Province, with participation from over 1,500 delegates from leading domestic and international agencies, ministries, and enterprises. The overarching theme, "Innovative Applications of Digital Technology in Industries and Sectors to Foster Digital Economy and Enhance Labor Productivity," focuses the High-Level Forum and workshops on deep-seated issues related to trends and benefits of digital technology applications in promoting digital economies across industries and sectors, high-tech agriculture models, e-commerce solutions for agricultural products, 5G in smart manufacturing, the role of AI in digital economic development, and more.

Viet Nam has made significant progress in global digitalization rankings with its e-Government Development Index rising 15 places in 2024, putting it now at number 71 out of 193 countries and territories.

Viet Nam’s Global Innovation Index also jumped two places to 44 out of 133, while its Global Cybersecurity Index increased by eight places, to 17 out of 194.

The country’s 51,000 tech companies have generated 1.5 million jobs, creating a total estimated revenue of US$118 billion for the industry in the first nine months of 2024.

Revenue from software and digital services is reported to be $6.64 billion (up 9.9 percent), while tech product exports are expected to reach $100.8 billion (up 18.3 percent).

Viet Nam also boasts one of the fastest-growing e-commerce sectors in the world, with the industry’s total revenue increasing by 23 percent to top $20.5 billion in 2023.

In addition to digitalization in the business sphere, digital transformation in social services and welfare has made significant progress, especially in education and training, health care, social insurance, and administration.

While recognizing these achievements, the Permanent Deputy PM stressed the need to address areas for improvement, such as local efforts in digitalization, fragmented data, cyber security, public service quality, human resources for digital transformation, and awareness campaigns.

Mentioning the important article penned by Party General Secretary To Lam on digital transformation as a key driver for the development of the workforce and the country’s development, Mr. Binh said that digitalization, digital economy, and society are an inevitable trend and a strategic choice, offering both opportunities and challenges.

The key is to demonstrate patience, resilience, and intelligence to fully leverage opportunities, overcome challenges, and achieve fast, sustainable growth, he said.

Therefore, it is important to innovate thinking and actions alongside improved policies and frameworks to drive forward the digital economy and society, he said.

Digital transformation in 2024, is based on four pillars: information technology, digitalization of economic sectors, digital governance, and digital data, said Bình, adding: " These are an important driving force for fast and sustainable socio-economic development.”

Priority, he noted, should be given to the IT industry, digitalization of economic sectors to increase productivity, innovation and management, digital governance, and data development.

It is also necessary to encourage proactivity and creativity, while mobilizing resources and ensuring the involvement of the entire political system, businesses, and citizens in this process.

Other areas of focus include building a safe and civilized digital ecosystem, developing high-quality and new technologies such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, the Internet of Things, facilitating accessibility to advanced technologies, and promoting 'Make in Việt Nam' digital products.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh views notable digital transformation efforts on the sideline of the National Forum

Overview of the Forum

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