HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has highlighted the country’s motto of considering the digital economy as the driver, the digital society as the foundation, and people as the centre of development while addressing the third National Forum on Digital Economy and Digital Society in Hà Nội on Saturday.

The forum, themed 'Developing an inclusive and comprehensive digital economy and digital society to achieve double-digit GDP growth in the 2026–2030 period,' brought together leaders of ministries and localities, technology enterprises, research institutions, experts and representatives of international organisations in Việt Nam.

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính said that the third National Forum on the Development of the Digital Economy and Digital Society was being held both to mark the 14th National Party Congress and the 11th National Patriotic Emulation Congress, and to review achievements while setting out new orientations for digital economy and digital society development in the coming period.

He stressed that developing the digital economy would be key to renewing the growth model, restructuring the economy, and improving productivity and competitiveness, while building an inclusive digital society would help ensure equal access to services, narrow development gaps and promote cultural values in the digital space.

The PM noted that the Party and State had introduced comprehensive guidelines and policies to advance digital transformation.

The 13th National Party Congress identified the gradual development of the digital economy and digital society as a strategic task.

Politburo Resolution 57 also identifies breakthroughs in the development of science and technology, innovation, and national digital transformation as the foremost priority and a key driver for rapidly advancing modern productive forces, improving production relations, renewing national governance, promoting socio-economic development, preventing the risk of falling behind and enabling the country to make strong and prosperous strides in the new era.

He urged participants to objectively assess progress, supported by concrete data, clearly identify Việt Nam’s position in the global technology value chain, and share best practices and innovative models from pioneering localities and major technology groups, PM Chính said.

He also called for a clear identification of bottlenecks, particularly in institutions, mechanisms and policies related to cross-border digital services, intellectual property and cybersecurity.

Breakthrough solutions are needed to accelerate data connectivity and sharing, foster innovation and start-up ecosystems, and ensure the digital economy penetrates all sectors, building a civilised and inclusive digital society where no one is left behind, according to the Government leader.

PM Chính expressed his hope that scientists and managers would contribute practical ideas to shape a digital economy and digital society programme tailored to Việt Nam's conditions, enabling the country to keep pace with and move ahead of global digital transformation trends.

Held annually, the National Forum on Digital Economy and Digital Society serves as a policy dialogue platform to promote innovation and cooperation in Việt Nam’s national digital transformation.

This year’s forum reviews the 2021–2025 period, identifies key opportunities and challenges, and explores new policy space for the next phase, including in-depth discussions on the application of artificial intelligence.

Within the forum’s framework, the 'Learning from Practical Work' programme was launched, based on cooperation among the State, educational institutions and businesses, aiming to develop high-quality human resources for the digital economy and support national digital transformation. — VNA/VNS