Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính (front, second from left) attends an exhibition showcasing a digital transformation model on the sideline of the event. — VNA/VNS Photo Phạm Kiên

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính chaired a preliminary review of the national digital transformation plan in the first half of 2023 on Wednesday afternoon, saying that science-technology, finance and human resources are crucial to the mission.

In the opening speech, PM Chính said that the national digital transformation plan, particularly the Project on Enhancing the Application of Population, Electronic Identification and Authentication Data for National Digital Transformation in the period of 2022-2025 with a vision toward 2030 (Project 06), has witnessed significant progress with a people-centric approach.

The Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) has approved a programme on the use and development of 35 national e-platforms for digital transformation, e-government development, and digital economy and society, which are updated and published every year.

Currently, seven national databases (on population; business and insurance registration; electronic civil status; land; finance; and public employees) are prioritised for implementation, aiming to provide essential services for people and businesses on digital platforms.

The National Public Service Portal currently counts nearly 7.8 million accounts, which has increased by 3.8 times compared to the same period last year.

The National Data Exchange Platform (NDXP) is also connected to the systems of 98 departments and businesses, nine databases, and 14 information systems for data-sharing services.

The Project 06 working group is coordinating with ministries and departments to “build a civil administration, develop the economy and society, and prevent crimes.”

The Ministry of Public Security has formed a database for the sectors of justice as well as labour, invalids and social affairs with the aim to reduce paperwork for the people.

With the e-identification app VNeID, people can have their data verified and online for social services, which has saved about VNĐ2.5 trillion (US$105.6 million) for the State budget on a yearly basis.

The application of technology in tax collection, verifying citizen information and mobile subscriptions have also reduced costs and simplified multiple administrative procedures.

The project’s working group also acknowledged several shortcomings such as inadequate determination in management, as well as limited supervision in implementing tasks and guidelines.

Concluding the review conference, PM Chính pointed out four key missions in the upcoming period, which are developing databases, enhancing online public services, developing digital platforms and infrastructure, and ensuring cybersecurity and information security.

The government leader added: "National digital transformation is a major strategic task, but it has to start with concrete actions and objectives and a radical, not general, implementation."

He also emphasised that policies and frameworks need to be completed and streamlined prior to implementation for a faster, more sustainable digital transformation across the country.

Online public services also need to be improved to create favourable conditions for people and businesses, he said.

The focus for this year is to "create and utilise data to generate new values", with key missions being digitalisation, connecting databases, and personal data protection.

PM Chính said he believed that with the engagement of the entire political system, people and businesses, the national digital transformation plan and particularly Project 06 will be a national success, paving the way for the development of e-government, digital economy, society and citizens. — VNS