On June 4, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung signed Decision No. 982/QD-TTg approving a national program to support and develop Vietnamese digital technology enterprises expanding into global markets through 2030, with a vision extending to 2045.

The program seeks to build a highly competitive generation of Vietnamese digital technology companies capable of mastering core and strategic technologies, participating more deeply in global value chains and contributing to sustained economic growth. It also aims to strengthen the national Make in Vietnam brand and elevate the country's international standing in technology.

Under the roadmap, Vietnam targets the development of at least 5,000 digital technology enterprises with revenue from overseas markets by 2030. Export revenue from digital products and services is expected to reach a minimum of $55 billion annually while maintaining average annual growth of 30%.

The government also hopes to establish a core group of technology champions, including 60 companies generating at least $20 million in overseas revenue per year and five major firms achieving annual international revenue of at least $1 billion.

The sector is further expected to complete at least 25 major international mergers, acquisitions or joint ventures valued at $1 million or more per transaction.

To address financing and operational challenges faced by companies expanding abroad, the program proposes a range of measures covering policy, finance, research and development.

Among the proposals is the introduction of corporate income tax incentives for digital technology enterprises. The government is also studying mechanisms that would allow expenses related to market research, trade promotion, customer development and international market expansion to be treated as deductible costs when calculating taxable income.

Digital technology companies will also be eligible for financial support when expanding production and business activities overseas, particularly in emerging and high-potential markets.

Strategic and core technology products with strong export potential, including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, digital medical devices, virtual reality and big data, will be prioritized for the development of technical standards and national regulations.

The government plans to prioritize investment resources for research and development programs focused on Make in Vietnam digital products and services with export potential based on strategic and core technologies. It will also promote a three-party cooperation model involving the government, universities and businesses to strengthen research, technology transfer and high-quality workforce development.

Authorities are additionally studying support mechanisms to help companies cover the costs of registering intellectual property rights overseas.

Under the program, Vietnam will develop a national brand identity and multilingual communications toolkit for the country's digital technology industry. The government will also conduct coordinated international promotion campaigns, establish a national digital pavilion on international e-commerce platforms and organize Vietnamese digital technology business forums in strategic overseas markets.

Rather than providing broad-based support, Vietnam plans to focus on building a targeted ecosystem. At least five leading digital technology companies will be selected to help guide small and medium-sized enterprises into global supply chains.

The government will also pilot a financial voucher mechanism through public funds, allowing startups and SMEs easier access to digital platforms and cloud services provided by these leading companies for research and development purposes.

Looking ahead to 2045, Vietnam aims to become one of the world's leading digital technology industrial centers, with at least 10 large-scale technology companies capable of competing with peers from advanced economies and helping shape global technology trends.

Du Lam