On information and communication technology infrastructure
Vietnam has significantly improved its IT infrastructure in recent years. According to the United Nations E-Government Development Index 2024 Report, Vietnam has moved up to the “Extremely High E-Government Development Index (EGDI)” group, ranking 71st in 2024. Key metrics such as the Online Services Index (OSI), Telecommunications Infrastructure Index (TII), Human Capital Index (HCI), and Electronic Participation Index (EPI) have all improved compared to two years ago. In Southeast Asia, Vietnam now ranks 5th out of 11 countries, up one place from 2022. Vietnam’s ranking in online public services has also improved significantly.
On the paperless trade facilitation system
The e-customs system is capable of performing relevant electronic functions, including e-Declaration; e-Manifest; e-Invoice; e-Payment; e-C/O; (selective) flow; risk profile management based on integrated risk criteria; import-export enterprise management; customs clearance and release of goods. The Vietnam Customs Information System (VCIS) is also integrated into the automated customs clearance system, forming two unified components of VNACCS/VCIS. The combined system combines all necessary customs processes in one automated platform.
Along with the e-Customs System, Vietnam's National Single Window (NSW) officially came into operation in November 2014, which is an important platform for effective data exchange.
About the legal framework
Regarding e-commerce, Vietnam is gradually perfecting the legal framework to support the implementation of e-commerce commitments in Free Trade Agreements.
Regarding e-transactions, Vietnam issued a new Law on E-Transactions in 2023 to create a favorable legal corridor for the conversion of activities from the physical environment to the digital environment in all industries and fields.
Regarding consumer protection: Vietnam promulgated a new Law on Consumer Protection in 2023. Accordingly, contents on consumer protection are added to adapt to changes in the economic and social environment, especially with business activities in the online environment.
Regarding personal information protection: this content is regulated in a number of laws and decrees of Vietnam such as the Law on Network Information Security, the Law on Cyber Security... In 2023, Vietnam issued Decree No. 12/2023/ND-CP on personal data protection. Currently, the Law on Personal Data Protection is being discussed.
Thus, it can be seen that Vietnam's legal framework is aiming to cover the issues mentioned in e-commerce commitments in Free Trade Agreements, creating maximum convenience for implementing commitments and exploiting benefits from e-commerce commitments.
