AsemconnectVietnam - The digital economy is expected to become the "engine" of growth, opening up new development opportunities for Vietnam. However, to turn this potential into reality, strong changes are still needed, from policy to implementation.

The digital economy is increasingly present in all sectors.
The digital economy is creating many new opportunities for businesses and people through the application of digital technology, big data, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and digital platforms throughout the entire process of production, business, and social management. Increasingly present in all sectors, areas such as e-commerce, digital finance, smart logistics, and digital platforms are creating significant added value and contributing positively to economic growth.
Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation has placed the digital economy at the center of the new growth model, aiming for the digital economy to account for at least 30% of GDP by 2030. This means that digital transformation must be directly linked to productivity, operational efficiency, and the competitiveness of the economy.
Along with this orientation, the legal framework for the digital economy is also being further improved. Specifically, the National Assembly has issued Resolution No. 193/2025/QH15 on piloting some special mechanisms and policies for science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. In addition, Decree No. 137/2024/ND-CP on electronic transactions and the Data Law, effective from July 1, 2025, are gradually forming the legal foundation for digital activities and developing data into assets. Furthermore, from January 1, 2026, the Law on Digital Technology Industry will come into effect, opening up a legal framework for areas such as semiconductors, AI, and digital assets.
According to a report by the Ministry of Finance, the 2021-2025 period witnessed strong growth in Vietnam's digital economy, with the value added in 2025 estimated at approximately US$72.1 billion, 1.64 times higher than in 2020. The proportion of the digital economy's value added in GDP increased from 12.87% in 2021 to approximately 14.02% in 2025. On average, the digital economy contributed about 13.2% to GDP during the 2021-2025 period. Of this, 2025 recorded the highest growth rate in the entire period, at approximately 18.4% at current prices. If calculated at constant prices, the added value of the digital economy increased by approximately 11.8% compared to the previous year, demonstrating the resilience of technology-based activities amidst a volatile global economy.
The digital economy is not only growing rapidly in scale but is also increasingly making substantial contributions to economic growth, improving labor productivity and national competitiveness. This achievement reflects the strong commitment and determination of the Government, ministries, localities, the business community, and the people in implementing digital transformation, developing the digital economy and digital society in accordance with Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo.
At the local level, the digital economy has become a factor creating a clear difference in growth between regions. By 2025, four provinces and cities will have a proportion of digital economy value added in their gross regional product (GRDP) exceeding 20%: Bac Ninh (46.30%), Thai Nguyen (29.53%), Phu Tho (22.71%), and Hai Phong (22.28%). The proportion of digital economy value added in the GRDP of the two major economic centers, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, will reach 17.34% and 13.43%, respectively. This differentiation reflects differences in industrial development levels, digital infrastructure, investment attraction capabilities, and the level of digital technology application in socio-economic activities among localities.
Simultaneously, this serves as an important basis for localities to develop digital economy development strategies that are appropriate to their specific conditions and advantages.
Experts assess that the digital economy is not just about applying technology, but a comprehensive restructuring of the economy based on data and innovation. Vietnam's growth still heavily depends on credit, with credit growth projected to reach nearly 19% of GDP by 2025. Therefore, achieving double-digit growth is challenging in the context of a global economic downturn. The two main drivers remain industry and construction, and services, with processing and manufacturing playing a central role.
According to Professor Pham Hong Chuong, Rector of the National Economics University, the digital economy will be the "locomotive" of technological innovation and creativity in the future. Therefore, it is necessary to clearly identify the linkages and spillover effects between core digital economic sectors and other fields; the top priority should be institutional breakthroughs, perfecting the legal framework for data, the digital economy, the carbon market, green finance, and semiconductors. Simultaneously, expand the sandbox mechanism and ensure long-term policy stability for strategic projects. Furthermore, prioritize simultaneous investment in digital and green infrastructure, from upgrading the transmission grid and promoting direct power purchase agreements (DPPA) to developing centers.
CK
Source: VITIC/tapchitaichinh.vn