While actively working with stakeholders to advance an open digital economy, USAID is also engaging with the Office of the Government and Ministry of Information and Communications to design effective interventions to support Vietnam’s e-government development. In addition, the Mission is enhancing the adoption of digital tools and technology in future programming by joining the USAID Global Development Lab’s Digital Advisor Program.

On May 6, USAID, Chemonics, Catholic Relief Services, Save the Children, TechChange, DIAL, and IntraHealth hosted the first-ever Global Digital Development Forum, a virtual platform for development practitioners, the private sector, and governments from across the world to share experiences, learn from others, and advance everyone’s collective ability to effectively navigate their programs in the digital age and effect change using technology. During the virtual forum, USAID/Vietnam Digital Advisor Nguyen Khanh Cam Chau participated in a panel discussion to share the Vietnam Mission’s experience in working with local stakeholders to adopt digital tools.

So What? Vietnam has a young population (the median age is 32.5) and a high internet penetration rate (68% of the population), which presents an opportunity for economic and governance modernization through the internet and digital tools. Recognizing this trend, USAID/Vietnam is actively engaging with local partners to utilize digital tools in its programs to better support Vietnam’s journey to self-reliance.