Completing the legal framework for concentrated digital technology zones.

(Chinhphu.vn) - The drafting of a Decree regulating concentrated digital technology zones (replacing Decree No. 154/2013/ND-CP) is an urgent requirement, stemming from legal gaps and a lack of consistency between current regulations and other relevant specialized legal systems.

Conference scene. Photo: VGP/DA

At the conference to review the draft Government Decree on concentrated digital technology zones organized by the Ministry of Justice , Mr. Nguyen Khac Lich, Director of the Information Technology Industry Department, Ministry of Science and Technology, stated that after more than 10 years of implementing Decree No. 154/2013/ND-CP on concentrated information technology zones, many concentrated information technology zones have been formed and developed, contributing to the strong development of the digital technology industry in Vietnam.

As of September 2025, the country will have 8 concentrated information technology zones established, expanded, and recognized according to legal regulations. In addition, several localities are implementing the establishment of concentrated information technology zones to create essential infrastructure and driving force for the development of the digital technology industry, in order to implement the Party's orientation of using science , technology, and innovation as the driving force for national development in the coming period.

On June 14, 2025, the National Assembly enacted the Law on Digital Technology Industry, along with changes to many mechanisms and policies in specialized laws. Accordingly, Decree No. 154/2013/ND-CP currently contains many provisions that are no longer appropriate or consistent with existing laws. Therefore, the development of a Decree regulating concentrated digital technology zones (replacing Decree No. 154/2013/ND-CP) is an urgent requirement, stemming from legal gaps and a lack of consistency between current regulations and other relevant specialized legal systems.

The decree aims to create a legal framework for the construction and development of concentrated digital technology zones – an essential infrastructure crucial for developing the digital technology industry into a foundational and leading industry in the national industrial structure.

The formation and development of concentrated digital technology zones will create infrastructure and a favorable business environment for digital technology enterprises to operate; incubate new digital technology businesses; promote entrepreneurship and innovation; and establish centers for training digital technology human resources to serve the national digital transformation process and the industrialization and modernization of the country in accordance with the policies of the Party and the State.

At the same time, promote the formation and development of concentrated digital technology zones that are suitable to the conditions, potential, and competitive advantages of localities and regions, ensuring investment efficiency in the development of the digital technology industry.

The draft Decree includes regulations on criteria for concentrated digital technology zones; establishment and expansion of concentrated digital technology zones; recognition of concentrated digital technology zones; investment support and incentives for concentrated digital technology zones; management, operation, use, and exploitation of concentrated digital technology zones.

During the review, the Council members generally agreed with the content of the draft Resolution. However, Council members suggested that regarding the criteria for ensuring national defense and security in the construction of industrial and digital technology zones, the planning and site selection should assess the impact on national defense and security before approving construction; a coordination mechanism should be established to consult with the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security to limit the placement of digital technology zones in sensitive areas; regarding foreign investment management, a strict control mechanism is needed in the core technology sector; and a mandatory regulation on the deployment of a cybersecurity monitoring system and centralized data storage should be added to ensure compliance with Vietnamese cybersecurity standards.

At the same time, specific regulations should be established to ensure that high-quality digital technology talent and workforce working in concentrated digital technology zones are entitled to preferential treatment applicable to these zones.

In his concluding remarks, Deputy Director of the Department of Civil and Economic Law (Ministry of Justice) Cao Dang Vinh agreed on the necessity of the proposed Resolution and requested the drafting agency to finalize the dossier, incorporate feedback to improve the content, and carefully review the language to ensure feasibility.

Furthermore, it is necessary to consider more specific and detailed regulations on functional zoning; service provision; regulations on expanding industrial and digital technology zones; criteria for organizing functional zones within concentrated digital technology zones; and content on service provision and governance of concentrated digital technology zones.

Dieu Anh

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/hoan-thien-hanh-lang-phap-ly-cho-khu-cong-nghe-so-tap-trung-102251014103918126.htm