On 20 November 2024, the Ministry of Information and Communications hosted the International Digital Investment Forum 2024 in Quang Ninh, aiming to foster opportunities for digital investment and accelerate the development of Vietnam’s digital ecosystem. Among the key participants was Mr. Yves Vanderstraeten, a representative of EuroCham Vietnam’s Digital Sector Committee, who shared his insights on the country’s digital transformation and the prospects for collaboration between Vietnam and Europe.
Mr. Vanderstraeten acknowledged the significant strides Vietnam has made in digital development, particularly through initiatives such as the National Digital Transformation Program and the Digital Infrastructure Strategy. These initiatives have positioned Vietnam as an emerging digital hub in Southeast Asia, with 5G, data centers, and advanced technologies at the forefront.
During his presentation, Mr. Vanderstraeten highlighted the role of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) in advancing digital collaboration. He pointed out that European companies, including Ericsson and Nokia, are actively contributing to Vietnam’s technological growth by partnering with local telecom giants like Viettel and VNPT. The collaboration has enhanced Vietnam’s connectivity and technological capacity.
Mr. Vanderstraeten also emphasized the importance of Vietnam’s young and tech-savvy workforce, which serves as a strong foundation for innovation and a key factor in attracting European digital businesses to the country. He further shared practical recommendations for strengthening Vietnam’s digital ecosystem, such as:
- Aligning regulations with global standards like GDPR to facilitate digital trade.
- Enhancing cybersecurity and intellectual property protections to stimulate innovation.
- Investing in digital skills development to address emerging challenges.
- Supporting SMEs with access to digital tools, such as through Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs).
As Vietnam celebrates milestones in its digital transformation, including the fourth anniversary of the EVFTA, Mr. Vanderstraeten reiterated EuroCham’s commitment to collaborating with Vietnamese authorities to support and advance the country’s digital journey.
