Vietnam approves roadmap to build “Make in Vietnam” civil cryptography ecosystem

Deputy Prime Minister Phan Van Giang has signed Decision 1226/QD-TTg approving a project to promote the private-sector engagement in research, development and application of civil cryptography for 2026-30, with a vision to 2035.

The initiative aims to establish and perfect mechanisms and policies to encourage greater participation from enterprises, organisations, training institutions and individuals in developing civil cryptography technology. It is designed to help the country gradually master some core cryptography technologies and form a “Make in Vietnam” civil cryptography ecosystem with strong competitiveness capable of safeguarding information security, protecting data and strengthening the country’s digital sovereignty.

Under the project, Vietnam targets the gradual mastery of some core technologies by 2030, including cryptographic algorithms, security solutions, key management systems and foundational security components. It also seeks to increase the proportion of domestically researched, designed and developed cryptographic products while building a highly skilled workforce to support the sector’s long-term development.

Priority will be given to developing “Make in Vietnam” cryptographic products for use in critical information systems, thereby reducing reliance on imported technologies.

The project also aims to increase the number and capacity of science – technology enterprises and organisations engaged in developing and supplying civil cryptography products and services. A stronger collaboration mechanism linking the State, universities/research institutes, and businesses will be established to accelerate technology research, transfer and commercialisation.

By 2030, domestically developed civil cryptographic products are expected to account for at least 20-30 per cent of those used in critical information systems. Vietnam also aims to research, develop and commercialise at least 50-70 “Make in Vietnam” products and nurture 10-15 enterprises capable of supplying cryptographic products and solutions to the domestic market.

The project further targets a 20-30 per cent reduction in dependence on imported cryptography technologies and products in several key areas, alongside the establishment of three to five nationally accredited testing laboratories that meet international standards.

By 2035, Vietnam plans to train at least 5,000 high-quality experts and engineers specialising in cryptography, cybersecurity and cryptographic integrated circuits. At least 20 per cent of professionals in the sector are expected to obtain internationally recognised security certifications such as CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) or equivalent qualifications.

Cybersecurity and information security will also be incorporated into the curricula of leading technical universities, while three to five national key laboratories dedicated to applied cryptography and post-quantum cryptography (PQC) research will be established.

To achieve these goals, the project outlines a range of focal tasks, including improving the legal framework, strengthening research capacity, developing testing and conformity assessment infrastructure, expanding markets for domestic cryptographic products and fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem.

Priority will be given to research programmes focusing on cryptographic algorithms and protocols, key management systems and public key infrastructure, hardware security modules, foundational security technologies and next-generation cryptographic technologies such as PQC and quantum key distribution (QKD).

The project also encourages stronger cooperation among state management agencies, research institutes, universities and businesses, while promoting Vietnam’s participation in international agreements on mutual recognition of conformity assessment results and cooperation in civil cryptography.

To accelerate commercialisation, it plans to introduce regulatory sandbox mechanisms for testing civil cryptography applications across different sectors, publish lists of practical technological challenges for businesses to address, and expand the use of certified domestic cryptographic products in critical information systems.

In addition, enterprises will receive support in protecting intellectual property rights, standardising products, improving technical documentation, promoting trade and facilitating technology transfer, helping establish a sustainable and internationally competitive civil cryptography industry.

- (VNA/VLLF)