The Smart Governance Centre in the Western Highlands' province of Kon Tum. — VNA/VNS Photo

The Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) has recently updated its 'Việt Nam E-Government Architecture Framework, Version 3.0 Towards a Digital Government' to synchronise it with the 'National Data Centre Project.'

Originally released in late 2023, the framework offers a comprehensive structure that lays out the components and relationships necessary to establish a cohesive digital government.

One of the major advancements in this version is the inclusion of the National Data Centre, which will house a centralised data repository on citizens and an integrated archive from various national databases.

In a significant update to the e-government framework, the role of the National Data Centre’s platform has been redefined from 'Data Integration and Sharing' to 'Data Sharing and Coordination,' emphasising more efficient data coordination and streamlined information sharing among Government entities.

The platform will enable data exchange using both centralised and direct distributed connection models, connecting the information systems and databases of ministries, sectors and localities nationwide.

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, speaking at a conference in mid-July, praised recent strides in the country’s digital transformation efforts.

He noted that the accelerated development, integration and sharing of the national databases had brought significant improvements.

Key databases, including those on population, taxation, insurance, businesses and education, are now functioning stably and delivering positive outcomes for public administration and citizen services.

The Standing Committee of the National Digital Transformation Committee highlighted in its report that, prior to 2020, Việt Nam had only implemented a national database on enterprises.

In 2024, vital national databases covering population, enterprises and insurance were completed, while other essential databases are being fast-tracked.

The rapid expansion of digital infrastructure has led to most ministries, sectors and localities establishing a list of shared databases, now totalling nearly 3,000.

Ten provinces, including Hải Dương, Nghệ An and Thừa Thiên Huế, have formally announced their plans to implement the national digital strategy through 2030.

Data sharing has surged exponentially: from 11.5 million data-sharing transactions through the national integration platform in 2020, cumulative transactions hit 2.3 billion by mid-2024, connecting 95 agencies and units nationwide. — VNS