Vietnam sets sights on US$80 billion data sector by 2030

THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam will prioritize completing its legal framework and issuing national standards for data management and use in 2026, as the government moves to unlock a data economy valued at up to US$80 billion, said Luong Tam Quang, Minister of Public Security.

This task is one of three core priorities and aims to end data fragmentation among ministries, local governments and state agencies, Quang said at the first meeting of the National Steering Committee on Data, chaired by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on January 13.

Quang, who also serves as Standing Vice Head of the committee, said the second priority focuses on implementing the national data architecture, governance framework and data dictionary.

"This includes mapping existing data infrastructure, identifying gaps between current capacity and long-term goals, and setting clear digital transformation roadmaps to guide targeted investment," he said.

The third priority centers on developing data and connecting national databases with sector-specific systems to form a comprehensive data ecosystem serving citizens and businesses, with emphasis on extracting practical value from data.

Key measures include cutting paperwork, simplifying administrative procedures and applying data analytics to support policy direction, socio-economic development and national defense and security.

Quang urged ministries and local governments to finalize their data steering committees and annual action plans within January 2026 and resolve outstanding tasks without delay.

He also stressed the need to synchronize databases with the National Data Center, which authorities expect to officially begin operations in June 2026 and called on ministries to complete plans to migrate their IT systems to the center within January.

The Minister of Public Security proposed the early issuance of three decrees covering the Data Exploitation and Innovation Center under the National Data Center, the operation of data exchanges and product identification, authentication and traceability.

“Cybersecurity and data security must serve as foundational requirements from planning through system construction and operation,” Quang said.

He also proposed establishing a national artificial intelligence database at the National Data Center to safeguard data sovereignty and create new value for governance reform, socio-economic development and national security.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh noted that global data volumes are growing by more than 25% annually, rapidly elevating data into one of the most valuable resources of the digital era.

Vietnam, he said, has made solid progress in data development alongside digital transformation and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence.

“If data governance proves effective and integrates with AI capabilities, the sector could generate up to US$80 billion in revenue by 2030 and become a new driver of socio-economic growth,” the prime minister said.

To reach this goal, he urged ministries, agencies and local governments to urgently register and develop clear roadmaps to migrate their data infrastructure to the National Data Center.

The prime minister tasked the Ministry of Public Security with completing and operating the first National Data Center as soon as possible, while proposing plans to build two additional centers.

He stressed that data must follow unified standards, ensure interoperability and allow seamless nationwide sharing to support the smooth operation of digital platforms, while maintaining data security as a strategic priority to protect national data and personal information.

Beyond security, the government views data as a new engine of growth. The prime minister described data as a “new means of production” and a strategic resource that must be mobilized, enriched and converted into valuable assets.

He outlined five strategic breakthroughs: strengthening data governance, building data infrastructure integrated with autonomous artificial intelligence, developing specialized human resources, expanding national and sectoral databases and forming a comprehensive data ecosystem and data-driven economy.

Prime Minister Chinh also endorsed proposals from Minister Quang and assigned the ministries of Finance and Public Security to develop a legal framework for data valuation, pricing and usage fees, alongside tax and capital incentives for data-related enterprises.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Science and Technology will draft data standards and technical regulations, while the Ministry of Home Affairs will accelerate updates to the national database of civil servants and public employees.

The Government Inspectorate will strengthen nationwide data connectivity to support inspections and monitoring of officials’ assets and income.

According to reports at the meeting, authorities established 46 databases on a centralized platform in 2025, ensuring stable operations and readiness for data sharing. About 70 additional databases remain under development, with limited connectivity and cross-sector integration.

So far, 14 of Vietnam’s 34 provinces and cities have established provincial-level data steering committees, laying the groundwork for coordinated local data governance.

Among the country’s 12 key national databases, eight operate under centralized models and run stably, closely integrated with administrative procedures from central to local levels.