Industry and Trade Minister Lê Mạnh Hùng assigned the Vietnam e-Commerce and Digital Economy Agency to propose upgrades to the ministry's internal IMOIT document management system. — Photo moit.gov.vn

HÀ NỘI — Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) is accelerating its digital transformation agenda, with Industry and Trade Minister Lê Mạnh Hùng directing agencies to shift from traditional administrative management to digital governance focused on optimising resources, improving outcomes and strengthening collaboration with research institutions, universities and businesses.

Under the new approach, units will be assessed not only on the completion of planned tasks but also on how effectively they manage resources and improve the quality of outputs, according to Notice No 251/TB-BCT, which sets out conclusions from the ministry's steering committee on science and technology, innovation, digital transformation and Project 06.

The minister also instructed agencies to consider assigning tasks to qualified private-sector companies with strong governance capabilities, efficient business operations and financial statements audited by reputable independent auditors, in compliance with Vietnamese law.

The conclusions followed the steering committee's third meeting, chaired by Hùng on July 10, as part of the ministry's work programme. At the meeting, the standing body of the steering committee, the Agency for Innovation, Green Transition and Industry Promotion, reported on the results of 18 months of implementing Politburo Resolution 57 on breakthroughs in science and technology, innovation and national digital transformation, as well as priorities for the second half of 2026. 

The minister instructed heads of all ministry units to fully adopt digital tools for managing, monitoring and supervising their operations, while expanding the use of emerging technologies, digital platforms and AI assistants in public administration.

Ministry-affiliated agencies were also instructed to proactively coordinate with organisations and businesses operating in sectors under the ministry's oversight to ensure synchronised and effective implementation.

As part of the implementation plan, the steering committee's standing body was tasked with coordinating a review to identify bottlenecks, underlying causes and corrective measures, while defining specific objectives, deliverables, timelines, responsible units and individuals, and performance metrics for each task. The work is due to be completed by July 30.

On science, technology and innovation, Hùng assigned the Agency for Innovation, Green Transition and Industry Promotion to update a list of major policy challenges, six strategic technologies and 16 strategic technology products, and to prepare an implementation plan identifying lead agencies and responsible officials for each technology and product.

The minister said the development of strategic technologies should be linked to an ecosystem involving state management agencies, industry enterprises, research institutes and universities. The plan is scheduled for completion by July 30.

On digital transformation, Hùng assigned the Vietnam e-Commerce and Digital Economy Agency to conduct a comprehensive review and propose upgrades to the ministry's internal IMOIT document management system. The proposed improvements include enhanced work management, progress tracking, alerts, reminders, filtering and statistical reporting, with a view to securing funding under the 2027 budget plan.

The authority was also instructed to develop a secure internal data storage system with information security safeguards and user access controls for departments and agencies to facilitate implementation of their work. The task is due to be completed by August 15. — VNS