MPI proposes digital transformation program to enhance firms' competitiveness

The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) has submitted to the Government a supporting program for local enterprises, especially small and medium ones, to embark on the digital transformation this year.

Overview of the press briefing. Photo: Nhat Bac

“The move will help Vietnamese enterprises to catch up with the global trend for digital transformation, while laying a platform for them to strengthen linkage with others,” stated Vice Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong at a press briefing on January 4, revealing the Government plan to boost economic development in 2021.

“A national digital transformation initiative is not limited to Government agencies, but on a large scale with a focus on the business community,” added Mr. Phuong.

According to Mr. Phuong, as local enterprises are going through the restructuring process, the application of digital technology is inevitable to ensure sustainable growth and prevent the risk of lagging behind regional and international peers.

Minister and Chairman of the Government Office Mai Tien Dung at the press briefing. Photo: Nhat Bac.

Minister and Chairman of the Government Office Mai Tien Dung said in order to establish digital government, economy and society, Vietnam will focus on addressing three major bottlenecks in legislation, technologies or the foundation for digital transformation, and high quality human resource traning.

In the first step of establishing an e-government, it is essential to transform the operation of the Government and replace paper-based document to e-document, along with providing online public services for people and businesses.

Mr. Dung informed after one year of operation, the national public services portal had received 100.5 million e-documents and 400,000 accounts from businesses.

Vietnam’s administrative reform efforts in 2020 helped save over 18 million working days, equivalent to VND6.3 trillion (US$275 million) per year, while the use of e-document by the Government cut VND148 billion ($6.4 million) in expenses.