The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is implementing coordinated digital transformation measures across the sector (Photo: Thanh Long)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has defined its vision for digital diplomacy by 2030 as follows: to build a modern, efficient, and integrated digital diplomacy from the central level to local levels and Vietnamese representations abroad; to use data as an essential asset; and to apply digital technology to enhance analytical and forecasting capabilities in support of foreign policy in the context of national development.
In order to build a modern and professional digital diplomacy, under the direction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, digital transformation has been implemented synchronously recently, closely following government policies and directions regarding the establishment of a digital government, thus contributing to improving the efficiency of management and administration, as well as the quality of service to citizens and businesses.
During the presentation conference of the digital architecture framework of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in January 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Le Hoai Trung, urged ministry units to focus on unifying understanding and digital transformation approach; to strictly adhere to the digital architecture framework in all investment activities; to prioritize the development and operation of shared data; to promote digitization in conjunction with process restructuring; to apply new technologies, including artificial intelligence, cautiously and controlled; to strengthen cybersecurity; to focus on training digital human resources; and to prioritize financial resources allocation for digital transformation.
Considering these guidelines, the digital transformation process has been implemented seriously and synchronously, clearly assigning responsibilities at each level and unit, resulting in many remarkable achievements.
The platform is gradually being improved.
In the first quarter of 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ digital transformation efforts continued to be implemented synchronously in all areas, including institutions, infrastructure, data, and applications, yielding many positive results.
In this context, the Department of Cryptography and Information Technology (CY-CNTT) piloted the development and publication of the 2026 Digital Transformation Plan, clearly defining the objectives, tasks, and implementation roadmap within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Concurrently, the establishment of the Data Steering Committee marks a major turning point in management, gradually transitioning from isolated technology application to data-driven governance.
The IT infrastructure continues to be modernized in a targeted and synchronized manner. The backbone network and wireless network quality have been improved to meet the increasing demand for data transmission. Critical information systems are maintained in stable operation, ensuring the efficiency of management and operational tasks.
Information security and information assurance measures have been strengthened, especially for systems dealing with confidential information, to meet the specific requirements of the foreign affairs sector. Additionally, the establishment of the Cybersecurity Subcommittee contributes to consolidating information system protection capabilities in a rapidly transforming digital environment.
In particular, digital platforms and IT systems deployed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology to support foreign policy operations clearly demonstrate the transition from traditional work methods to a digital environment.
More specifically, the foreign policy document implementation tracking system allows real-time updates and control of document progress, providing support to officials at all levels in their management and oversight missions. The high-level commitment and agreement implementation tracking subsystem are integrated into the central committee resolution tracking system, contributing to improving monitoring efficiency.
An Internet-based document and operational management system has also been implemented to manage common administrative tasks, creating flexible working conditions for civil servants and public officials.
Overall, the aforementioned systems have been designed to be interconnected and integrated, gradually forming a shared digital platform within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, thus contributing to better coordination and reducing information fragmentation.
Most importantly, the dynamism of digital transformation has permeated all units of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as evidenced by the constant efforts to promote the development and enhancement of specialized databases, considered a central element of digital transformation.
Specifically, the Consular Department has implemented online administrative procedures and established related databases such as consular legalization, diplomatic passports, and official passports, thereby improving service quality for citizens and businesses.
The International Law Department has established a database of treaties and international agreements, effectively serving research, consultation, and implementation of Vietnam’s international engagements.
Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has set up a digital platform to monitor and manage the implementation of high-level commitments, contributing to better coordination and control.
Moreover, databases on foreign non-governmental organizations, press and foreign journalists, foreign protocol, migrations, etc., are also under development, gradually being improved and ready to be interconnected and shared.
In the upcoming period, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to implement two important tasks, namely entrusting additional IT tasks to various units’ personnel and operating a confidential document management system on the internal network, in order to achieve comprehensive digital transformation and enhance the efficiency of foreign affairs operations in the new era.
Delegates participating in the conference presented the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ digital architecture framework on January 13, 2026. (Photo: Nguyen Hong)
Overcoming challenges
Thanks to the synchronized, efficient deployment of operating systems and specialized databases, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is gradually establishing a digital ecosystem in the field of foreign affairs, creating a foundation for efficient data connection, sharing, and utilization, thereby better supporting the implementation of foreign affairs work.
However, despite the progress made, the implementation process still faces several challenges, such as limited financial resources, a lack of standardized and synchronized data, and the need for better interoperability between systems. Furthermore, implementing IT projects under public investment regulations requires long preparation times, slowing down progress. These challenges require constant innovation in approaches, enhanced coordination between units, and optimal use of existing resources.
To overcome difficulties and effectively implement digital transformation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs decided that, in the upcoming period, it would need to further promote digital transformation, focusing on data and using work efficiency as a reference criterion.
The main work orientations for 2026 will focus on five task groups, including:
Firstly, accelerating the development of a specialized and comprehensive database, while simultaneously improving the high-level commitment implementation tracking system on a digital platform.
Secondly, urgently publishing a shared architecture framework and data dictionary to ensure interoperability and seamless integration between systems.
Thirdly, completing the connection of the administrative procedure processing information system with the national public services portal and implementing the roadmap for infrastructure conversion to the national data center.
Fourthly, ensuring information security.
Fifthly, improving the digital transformation index by closely linking digital transformation to administrative reform.
It is clear that digital transformation is an essential and ongoing task. Through progress made in the past, strong political will, and concerted efforts of various entities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ digital transformation work is expected to continue to accelerate, enabling new advances and significant changes. This will contribute to improving the state’s capabilities in foreign affairs management, strengthening the efficiency of advisory and intervention missions, and meeting the country’s increasing international integration requirements.
