Ministry Plans $360M Investment in IT Infrastructure

Program Objectives and Goals

The overarching goal of this program is to establish a more robust, innovative, and secure IT infrastructure within the country. By 2020, the program seeks to achieve a number of critical milestones across both government operations and the broader IT landscape.

In terms of administrative reform, the program plans to integrate a national sharing platform for ministries, state agencies, and local governments. The integration will streamline data exchange and communication across various governmental levels, enabling a more efficient administration. By 2020, 30% of local government administrative tasks are expected to be processed online at the fourth level, the highest level of online services in Vietnam’s e-government structure. Furthermore, the program envisions that over 50% of administrative records exchanged between government agencies will be conducted online, which will improve transparency and speed of service delivery to citizens.

Focus on Information Security

A critical component of the program is strengthening the country’s information security infrastructure. Vietnam has faced significant challenges with cybersecurity, and the new plan aims to address this issue by significantly improving the protection of digital systems at all levels of government.

By 2020, the program’s implementation aims to remove Vietnam from the list of the 20 countries with the highest infection rates of malware. The country also intends to enhance its cybersecurity standards. For example, it aims to ensure that over 80% of information systems used by local governments are protected according to internationally recognized standards. Furthermore, the plan calls for all online public services at the fourth level to implement electronic authentication solutions, increasing the security and integrity of digital transactions. The program also includes provisions for enhanced monitoring of online government portals, with the goal of ensuring that at least 50% of the electronic portals in centrally-governed provinces and cities are under active safety monitoring.

Development of IT Parks

A significant part of the Ministry’s proposal is the creation of seven IT parks across Vietnam. These parks will serve as innovation hubs, providing the infrastructure necessary for the growth of the software development and outsourcing sectors in the country. The establishment of these IT parks will be a key part of Vietnam’s strategy to boost its position in the global IT market, particularly in software outsourcing.

Vietnam software outsourcing industry has seen steady growth in recent years, and the creation of these parks is expected to further accelerate this growth by providing companies with the tools, resources, and collaborative environment needed to innovate. The parks will serve as incubators for new IT startups and as centers for research and development, further contributing to the digital economy’s expansion.

Research and Development Focus

In addition to the establishment of IT parks, the program also includes a focus on research and development (R&D) in critical technology sectors. One of the goals is to support the development of at least three electronic hardware products, specifically in the fields of integrated circuits (IC), semiconductor chips, and other key hardware components that are essential for modern technological infrastructure.

Moreover, the program plans to fund the development of at least six platform products. These platforms will serve government agencies and society, offering solutions that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of both public and private sector operations. The program also includes the goal of producing at least one digital content product designed to serve the needs of state agencies. These content products are expected to support e-government operations, enhancing public service delivery through innovative, technology-driven solutions.

Conclusion

The Ministry of Information and Communications’ proposed $360 million investment in Vietnam’s IT sector represents a comprehensive strategy to advance the country’s technological capabilities. By focusing on the development of IT parks, the enhancement of cybersecurity, and the promotion of research and development, this program aims to position Vietnam as a competitive player in the global IT market. Through the proposed advancements in government services and the broader IT ecosystem, the initiative promises to improve public administration, foster innovation, and contribute to the continued growth of the country’s digital economy. The program’s implementation is expected to have long-lasting impacts on both the public and private sectors, helping Vietnam build a sustainable, technology-driven future.