HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam’s science and technology sector surged in March, posting revenue of more than VNĐ516 trillion (US$20.6 billion), up 17 per cent year-on-year, as government efforts to promote innovation and national digital transformation gather pace, the Ministry of Science and Technology said on Wednesday.

The ministry reported that the sector contributed VNĐ133.5 trillion to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), a 28 per cent increase from the same period last year.

Deputy Minister Bùi Hoàng Phương said April will see priority given to implementing Resolution 57-NQ/TW, particularly in strategic technologies. The ministry is reviewing and refining the list of strategic technologies and products to identify priority areas and focus resources more effectively.

Financial mechanisms to support strategic technologies are also being finalised, including tax incentives, credit support, interest subsidies, and public-private co-financing schemes. These proposals are expected to be submitted in May.

Hoàng Anh Tú, Deputy Director of the Department of Science, Engineering and Technology, noted that adjustments to the strategic technologies list should begin by addressing major problems facing the country, sectors, and localities that are critical and urgent.

Officials also highlighted amendments to the Law on Intellectual Property, which took effect on April 1, and introduced stricter obligations for digital platforms and intermediary service providers. Nguyễn Hoàng Giang, Deputy Director-General of the Intellectual Property Office, said the tougher framework is essential as cross-border platforms play an increasingly central role in distributing digital content.

First ‘.vn’ domain auction

The ministry also reported on Việt Nam’s first auction of national '.vn' domain names, held from March 18 to 20. Thái Hữu Lý from the Vietnam Internet Network Information Center (VNNIC) said the auction marked a shift towards a market-based mechanism, where high-value domains are assigned transparently to the highest bidder rather than on a first-come, first-served basis.

Of the 50 domains offered, 37 were successfully auctioned, a 74 per cent success rate. The highest winning bid reached around VNĐ1.5 billion ($60,000), while some domains attracted up to 85 bids, demonstrating strong demand.

The results underline the growing value of short and memorable domain names, increasingly seen as digital assets tied to branding and online presence. The auction is expected to enhance the value of Việt Nam’s national '.vn' domain amid accelerating digital transformation, as domain names play a key role in ensuring authenticity, security, and trust online.

VNNIC plans two auctions in 2026, with the second scheduled for June and offering another 50 domains. Unsold domains after the two auctions will be made available through standard registration procedures. — VNS