Vietnam Pushes Five New Draft Laws for Tech Innovation

Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology is rushing to finalize five draft laws aimed at boosting science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Officials hope to get these laws approved in the coming months, creating a stronger legal base to drive national progress.

The push comes as Vietnam seeks to remove old barriers that have slowed tech growth. Deputy Minister Le Xuan Dinh highlighted the need for updates that match real world needs and clear away roadblocks.

Key Draft Laws in Focus

These five drafts cover key areas to modernize Vietnam’s tech landscape. Each one targets specific challenges and opportunities in a fast changing digital world.

The Law on Digital Transformation stands out as a major piece. It sets rules for managing digital services, making online access the norm and paper based systems the rare case.

Amendments to the High Tech Law aim to encourage advanced industries. Changes to the Law on Intellectual Property will protect ideas and inventions better.

The amended Law on Technology Transfer focuses on sharing knowledge and tools more effectively. Finally, the Artificial Intelligence Law will guide AI development and use safely.

These laws build on recent steps, like the Digital Technology Industry Law passed in June 2025, which legalized digital assets and set AI principles.

Emphasis on Inclusive Digital Access

A big goal of the drafts is making sure everyone can join the digital shift. The Law on Digital Transformation puts a strong focus on equal access for all citizens.

No matter age, gender, education, location, or income, people should reach online public services easily. This means building systems that work for everyone, including those in remote spots.

The draft calls for user friendly designs that meet global standards. It includes multilingual options, sign language support, and aids for people with disabilities.

Platforms must work on various devices, from phones to computers. Tools will help users in hard to reach areas, like mountains or islands.

This approach ties into Vietnam’s broader digital goals. Recent meetings, such as one in February 2025 led by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, reviewed progress on national digital programs.

Removing Barriers to Innovation

Deputy Minister Le Xuan Dinh stressed that these laws are about more than updates. They show a firm commitment to fix long standing issues holding back science and tech.

For years, outdated rules have limited innovation and digital growth. The new drafts aim to change that by creating clear, supportive frameworks.

The Artificial Intelligence Law, submitted recently, sets a risk based system for AI. It covers both local and foreign systems affecting Vietnam, with a national commission to oversee it starting in 2026.

Amendments to other laws will promote tech transfer and protect intellectual property. This could attract more investment and foster startups.

Vietnam’s moves align with global trends. Countries like those in ASEAN are also building digital plans, such as the ASEAN Digital Master Plan for 2026 to 2030.

Personalization and Coordination in Services

The drafts go beyond access to make services fit individual needs. Online public services will follow life events for people and business cycles for companies.

This personalization means tailoring help to specific situations. For example, a new parent might get streamlined access to family related services.

State agencies must work together on event chains. This cuts red tape and makes processes smoother.

Such features aim to boost efficiency and user satisfaction. They reflect lessons from ongoing projects like Project 06, which focuses on population data and electronic IDs.

Here are some expected benefits from these personalized services:

• Faster processing times for common tasks like permits or registrations.
• Reduced costs by minimizing paperwork and visits to offices.
• Better support for businesses, helping them grow in a digital economy.
• Improved trust in government through reliable, easy to use systems.

Timeline and Next Steps

Work on these drafts is moving fast. The Ministry of Science and Technology wants them ready for review soon.

Discussions in the National Assembly have already started. For instance, on November 6, 2025, lawmakers talked about the Digital Transformation draft in groups.

If passed, the laws could take effect as early as 2026. This timeline matches other recent actions, like the classification of science fields in Circular 24/2025.

Officials are gathering feedback from experts, businesses, and the public. This includes input from Vietnamese communities abroad, like in Germany.

The government sees these laws as key to a green, digital, and self reliant economy. They tie into the 14th Party Congress plans for sustainable development.

Potential Impact on Economy and Society

These drafts could reshape Vietnam’s economy. By promoting tech and innovation, they aim to create jobs and attract foreign investment.

Vietnam already has about 150,000 digital tech firms as a goal by 2035, from the earlier Digital Technology Law. The new laws build on that.

On the social side, inclusive digital access could bridge gaps between urban and rural areas. It supports education, health, and business for all.

Challenges remain, like ensuring stable energy for data centers. But the drafts address cybersecurity and data management to build a secure digital future.

These efforts position Vietnam as a digital leader in Southeast Asia. With strong political backing, the country is set for a tech driven future.

What do you think about these draft laws? Share your views in the comments and spread the word to keep the conversation going.