Today, in the joyful and hopeful atmosphere of the first days of 2025, we are delighted to welcome a special event: the 6th National Forum on Developing Vietnamese Digital Technology Enterprises. This is not only an important event but also a milestone that strongly affirms the pioneering role of digital technology enterprises in socio-economic development, while raising Vietnam's position on the global digital technology map.
With all faith and hope, on behalf of the Party and State leaders, I would like to send my warmest greetings to the distinguished delegates, comrades and the entire digital technology business community present today. I would also like to express my deep gratitude to the individuals, organizations and businesses who have tirelessly innovated and joined hands to contribute to glorifying Vietnamese intelligence and Vietnamese technology in the international arena; and highly appreciate the Ministry of Information and Communications for organizing this meaningful Forum right after the National Conference to implement Resolution 57 of the Politburo on Scientific and Technological Breakthroughs, Innovation and National Digital Transformation. Let us together turn this year's Forum into an inspiring "National Digital Technology Festival", opening up new opportunities and breakthrough directions for intellectuals, scientists, especially the Vietnamese digital technology community.
Dear delegates and comrades,
In the context of globalization and the 4.0 industrial revolution, digital technology has been asserting its key role as a driving force, promoting economic and social development. Digital transformation is not only an inevitable trend, but also an urgent requirement for Vietnam to narrow the development gap with the region and the world. This not only opens up opportunities to improve labor productivity, but also creates conditions for innovation and improves the quality of life for all classes of people.
At the same time, digital transformation is a long-term strategy, helping to enhance national competitiveness and consolidate Vietnam's position on the global economic map. By applying advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things, etc., we can develop key economic sectors, promote innovative startups, and build an independent, self-reliant, sustainable economy, a comprehensive, advanced, and unique digital society. However, to achieve these goals, we need strong commitment from the Government, the support of businesses, and the active participation of workers and the entire population.
Through the reports and assessments of comrades, I am very pleased with the strong developments in the digital technology sector of Vietnam in recent times. Total revenue of the digital technology industry is estimated to reach 152 billion USD in 2024, an increase of 35.7% compared to 2019, demonstrating the sustainable growth of the industry and affirming the important role of digital technology in the national economy. This development not only helps improve production capacity but also promotes innovation, opening up many opportunities for businesses, especially in the context of globalization and the 4.0 industrial revolution.
We are also pleased that the digital technology startup ecosystem is growing stronger and stronger, with nearly 74,000 businesses operating, of which by the end of 2023, nearly 1,900 digital technology businesses had reached the international market, with revenue of 11.5 billion USD, an increase of 53% compared to 2022. This not only shows the capacity and creativity of Vietnamese businesses, but also proves the great potential in expanding the market, increasing export value and participating in the global value chain. Vietnam is also making great efforts to improve the quality of public administration management and innovation; ranking 71/193 countries in terms of e-government development; 44/133 countries in terms of global innovation.
It can be said that Vietnam's digital technology industry has become one of the important economic sectors, contributing significantly to economic growth and sustainable development. The workforce in the industry is increasingly large, reaching more than 1.67 million workers. The product and service ecosystem is diverse, including hardware, electronics, software and advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data and the Internet of Things... These advances not only help Vietnam improve its domestic competitiveness but also expand international cooperation opportunities, actively contributing to the construction of a comprehensive digital economy.
With these great achievements, on behalf of the Party and State leaders, I acknowledge, congratulate and commend the Vietnamese digital technology business community for their continuous efforts and achievements. I highly appreciate the contributions and roles of Vietnamese digital businesses in creating innovative products and solutions, applied in many fields, from manufacturing to services, contributing to strongly promoting the national digital transformation process, improving the quality of growth and improving people's lives.
I acknowledge the efforts of the Ministry of Information and Communications in promoting its role as the highest state management agency for the digital technology industry; closely coordinating with ministries such as the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Public Security, and other sectors and localities to monitor, support and promote the development of the digital technology industry and digital technology enterprises in Vietnam. The policies and programs of the Ministry not only help improve production capacity but also create a favorable environment for businesses to develop sustainably and compete internationally.
However, with all the frankness, openness and listening, we see that there are still many limitations that need to be overcome to ensure the strong development of digital technology and national digital technology enterprises. One of the major weaknesses is research and development (R&D) capacity, which is still heavily dependent on foreign resources, limiting Vietnam's ability to be technologically autonomous. In addition, the ability to attract high-tech talent is not strong enough, leading to a shortage of quality resources, directly affecting the innovation capacity of enterprises. The technological level of Vietnamese enterprises is generally low, only participating at a very modest level in the global supply chain. (I I was told that Vietnam ranks 2nd in the world in exporting smart phones; 5th in the world in exporting computer components; 6th in the world in exporting computer equipment; 7th in the world in software outsourcing, 8th in the world in electronic components. These are numbers that seem impressive, grandiose, and proud, but have we ever looked deeply into the nature of these figures? How much % of the value do we contribute to them? Or are we in the lowest segment of the value chain, mainly processing for foreign countries? If a shirt is sold and the design, fabric, dye, thread, and buttons are all from someone else, how much do we get? Is it just labor and environmental pollution? The figures I mentioned above were quoted from the Leader's report on the achievements of our Industry. I keep wondering if this is a "misconception", "self-delusion", or "self-delusion". the electronics industry, phone and component manufacturing, FDI sector exports 100% of the value of phones and components but imports up to 89% of the value of these components. Samsung has invested in Vietnam since 2008, in Thai Nguyen there are 60 level I partner enterprises supplying Samsung, of which 55 are foreign enterprises; in Bac Ninh there are 176 level I partners, of which 164 are foreign enterprises. Domestic enterprises mainly provide security services, industrial catering, waste treatment... I want to clarify these shortcomings so that we can look straight at the truth of where our enterprises stand in the global value chain as well as in international competitiveness in order to make efforts.
In fact, the contribution of the FDI sector to the advancement of domestic scientific progress is still low; over 80% of FDI enterprises use medium technology; 14% use outdated technology, about 5% use high technology. In the near future, we must attract FDI more selectively. Do not let Vietnam become a "assembly - processing" base, a technological dumping ground for the world, while domestic enterprises learn nothing.
Digital technology development is still uneven across regions, with some localities facing many difficulties in applying and deploying technology, creating a large gap in access and use of digital technology. Digital infrastructure is also a major challenge, as many areas have not yet fully invested in modern technology, affecting national connectivity and the sustainable development of the digital technology industry. These are issues that need to be resolved synchronously so that Vietnam can make full use of the potential of digital technology and digital technology enterprises.
Dear delegates and comrades,
In the spirit of Resolution No. 57, which is likened to "Contract 10" in agriculture, I would like to receive reports on how much Vietnamese intelligence and Vietnamese Digital Technology contribute to the products of the digital technology industry, how much they contribute to making those products smarter, more efficient, more aesthetic, more accepted by consumers, which Vietnamese names are honored in inventions and initiatives... Therefore, I suggest some key tasks for our digital technology industry and businesses in the coming period as follows:
Firstly, we must strive to be self-reliant, self-sufficient in technology and develop strategic and core technologies, which are the foundation for building an independent and self-reliant economy. We must increase investment in research and development (R&D), especially strategic technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), big data, cloud computing, blockchain, nanotechnology, and 5G, 6G mobile communications... space technology... Focus on mastering and applying the world's advanced scientific and technological achievements to create technological autonomy and gradually improve competitiveness.
Second, continue to invest in developing digital infrastructure: Digital infrastructure will play a core role in promoting the development of the digital industry. The government needs to invest heavily in modern, high-capacity, broadband, synchronous and international-standard technology infrastructure to facilitate national connectivity and digital economic development.
Third is to source talent and attract high-tech experts: It is necessary to strengthen policies to attract high-tech talent, build an attractive working environment, support scientific research and innovation, thereby enhancing domestic capacity and creating leading international digital technology enterprises.
Fourth is to build a sustainable digital technology ecosystem: Promote the development of a digital technology ecosystem with close links between businesses, universities, research institutes and supporting organizations. Promote public-private partnership initiatives, attract resources from businesses, investment funds, and international organizations to create diverse digital technology products and services to meet domestic and export needs.
Fifth is the development of digital economy and digital society: Gradually forming and developing digital economic fields such as Digital Government, Digital Economy and Digital Society. Creating conditions for digital technology enterprises to develop technological solutions applied to state management, improve the quality of public services, promote e-transactions, and increase access to information technology for people.
Sixth, improve global competitiveness and capacity: We need to strive to become the digital technology industry center of the region and the world. By 2030, Vietnam will be among the top 3 countries in Southeast Asia in digital technology research and development, and at the same time create at least 5 large digital technology enterprises with international competitiveness. I suggest that each of our digital technology enterprises must set high, ambitious development goals for themselves and continuously improve the quality of human resources in both quantity and quality.
Seventh is attracting investment and international cooperation: We must know how to "stand on the shoulders of giants". To do so, we must strengthen cooperation with the world's leading technology organizations and enterprises, attract more digital technology research and production organizations to Vietnam. At the same time, create conditions for Vietnamese enterprises to participate in the global value chain and bring their digital technology products to the international market.
For Vietnamese digital technology enterprises, we need to have greater consensus, determination, and aspiration. We need to see this not only as an opportunity, but also as the responsibility of each enterprise in contributing to realizing the great goals set by the Party and the State in Resolution No. 57. Let's turn the desire to lead into concrete actions. Each digital technology enterprise needs to engage in pioneering technology fields, invest heavily in research and development, proactively approach new technology, and constantly innovate. Digital enterprises need to focus on building breakthrough products and services, creating real value to serve the interests of the people and the economy, meeting the needs of domestic and international markets.
Let's cooperate and connect with domestic and foreign partners to create a sustainable technology ecosystem. This is a golden opportunity for us to truly affirm our competitiveness in the international arena, becoming an important link in the leading digital technology industry chain of Southeast Asia and the world. Let's constantly overcome our own limits, overcome challenges, and together turn difficulties into motivation to go further. We have favorable conditions, available resources, and strong support from the Party, the State, management agencies, international friends, and the support of the people.
This is the right time for Vietnamese digital technology enterprises to unite and join hands to build a sustainable future for the country's digital technology industry. This is not only a noble mission, but also an opportunity for enterprises to assert themselves, bringing "Make in Vietnam" products and services to the world. Let's take advantage of the strengths of intelligence, human resources, and the spirit of creative entrepreneurship along with the Vietnamese spirit to contribute to the strong development of the country in the new era.
For the Ministry of Information and Communications, as the leading state management agency for the digital technology industry, it is responsible for leading and orienting development, creating conditions for digital technology enterprises to develop strongly. It is necessary to overcome limitations and shortcomings, closely coordinate with ministries, branches and localities to develop policies, promote the application of advanced technology, and at the same time perfect digital infrastructure, enhance the competitiveness of the Vietnamese digital technology industry. In addition, it is necessary to focus on training high-quality human resources, encourage research and development, and build a sustainable technology ecosystem. The Central Economic Committee and ministries, branches and localities always work together to develop together.
I welcome the initiative of the Ministry of Information and Communications and the participation of Vietnamese digital technology enterprises in assigning and receiving tasks to implement Resolution 57 on mastering strategic technology, digital technology and receiving major national tasks. I believe and hope that the Ministry of Information and Communications will contribute to realizing great goals, helping the country develop sustainably, integrate deeply into the global economy, and enhance Vietnam's position on the world technology map.
I also thank the comments of the Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Technology of Korea. Thank you for Korea's cooperation with Vietnam in this field. Thank you for the presence of leading Korean enterprises in Vietnam such as Samsung, LG... 2 days ago, I visited Amkor Technology Group, a new company investing in Vietnam but very successful. This is the world's leading group in semiconductor chip production, under the leadership of the former Chairman of the Korean National Assembly. Thank you very much for Korea's experience. We are slow in industry, slow in information technology, so we want to develop the most, want to be at the forefront of artificial intelligence. We are behind, we have the right to take shortcuts, focusing on such key areas will be very convenient, avoiding costs. We have the sympathy of more than 100 million people and the cooperation of international friends, we will succeed.
On the occasion of the New Year, I would like to send my best wishes for a prosperous and healthy New Year to all delegates, the business community and Vietnamese digital technology enterprises. I wish you all a new year filled with enthusiasm, creativity and energy to continue your efforts, overcome challenges and exploit new opportunities. I hope that in the new year, digital technology enterprises will continue to innovate, reach out to the international market, and contribute to the strong development of the domestic technology industry.
Wishing you a very successful new year, with many new victories!
Thank you very much
