Vietnam’s first-ever Digital Transformation Review Toolkit for Manufacturing and Supporting Industries is launched today [December 8] in Hanoi as part of the ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT)’s Vietnam Industry Agency and IFC.

Delegates at the launching ceremony. Source: IFC

This toolkit, a crucial resource for Vietnam's industrial manufacturing sector, is anticipated to expedite the journey of local manufacturing and industrial supporting enterprises towards smart and sustainable production models, ultimately enhancing international competitiveness.

Digital transformation is rapidly emerging as a game-changer for enterprises, offering the potential for increased efficiencies, improved sustainability, and enhanced capacity through streamlined operations and automated processes.

Leveraging advancements in analytics, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things enables enterprises to optimize supply chains, accelerate innovation, and enhance product development.

For Vietnamese producers entering global value chains, digital transformation becomes especially critical. Multinational clients now demand higher standards in technical compliance, traceability, connectivity, and transparency from their suppliers.

“Digital transformation is fundamental for manufacturers to continue to grow and integrate deeper into global value chains, and to develop a strong and modern national industry sector. Amid the slow adoption of digital transformation by small and medium enterprises constrained by investment costs and knowledge gaps, this practical toolkit will allow enterprises to implement digital solutions based on their capabilities and resources effectively," said Do Thang Hai, deputy minister of Industry and Trade.

Overview of the event.

Developed jointly by IFC and the Ministry's Vietnam Industry Agency as part of the Digital Transformation Pilot Program, the toolkit incorporates international and regional best practices across seven dimensions of digital transformation. These include Strategy and Leadership; People and Culture; Customers; Operations; Production; Digital Technology and Security; and Sustainability and Inclusion. The goal is to assist manufacturing firms in developing tailored action plans to address manufacturing 'pain points' and enhance competitiveness.

"The toolkit represents an important step for Vietnam's manufacturing sector on its journey towards digital transformation with an increased focus on sustainability, which is increasingly important to further integrate with global value chains and improve FDI linkages," Thomas Jacobs, IFC Country Manager for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, said.

This toolkit is unique in Vietnam, featuring a pillar dedicated to assessing enterprises' digitalization of their green transition and adopting environmentally friendly business practices. By embracing digital transformation towards sustainability, suppliers can achieve efficient processes, increase decarbonization, and align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements set by governments and customers.

The Digital Transformation Pilot Program, implemented in partnership with the Japanese Government, has been scaled up and rolled out by the MoIT. This program follows the successful Supplier Development Program, which improved supply capabilities for local manufacturers, enabling them to expand their business with international buyers and share added value.