Outline:
Digitalisation of Cooperatives: A Step Towards National Transformation
In an effort to advance the nation’s digital transformation, a roundtable on the digitalisation of cooperatives was held in Hanoi on August 13. This event aimed to support the implementation of Resolution No.57-NQ/TW, which outlines key goals for science and technology development, innovation, and national digital transformation.
The country is currently implementing several significant policies, including Resolution No.57-NQ/TW, Resolution No.68-NQ/TW on private economic development, and Resolution No.193/2025/QH15 on piloting special mechanisms to create breakthroughs in science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation. These resolutions are crucial for shaping the future of the economy and society.
At the roundtable, participants included National Assembly deputies, experts, representatives from various ministries, and leaders of cooperatives. They discussed the current situation, shared experiences from both domestic and international contexts, and proposed solutions to promote digital transformation within cooperatives.
Some cooperatives in sectors such as agriculture, services, and logistics have started using digital platforms for their management and business activities. However, many challenges remain, such as unsynchronised technology infrastructure, low levels of digital training, limited investment resources, and an incomplete legal framework and support policies.
Nguyen Bao Son, from the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance (VCA), highlighted that one of the main difficulties faced by cooperatives is the lack of capital to expand production and improve efficiency. Additionally, there is a shortage of collateral assets needed to secure loans from banks.
He also pointed out that cooperatives are slow to adapt to market changes, lack motivation for development, and have not invested sufficiently in developing digital human resources or applying science and technology.
“We need to focus on removing obstacles related to mechanisms, especially capital and technology. Local authorities must quickly deploy and implement these resolutions, creating favorable conditions for cooperatives to develop sustainable value chains,” he suggested.
He further emphasized the need for specific credit and digital transformation policies for cooperatives, along with support for market linkages and technology training.
Innovations in E-Cooperative Models
Nguyen Xuan Tuan, president of the Institute of Education and Environmental Science, shared insights about a pilot e-cooperative model developed over the past three years. The institute has collaborated with more than 300 enterprises and cooperatives to research and develop this model, which focuses on financial and legal digital transformation for individual business households and micro-enterprises.
This model has attracted attention from the government, technology companies supporting the platform, and banks providing financial services. According to the project, Phase 1 (2026-2027) aims to attract at least 90,000 individual business households, with plans to deploy the model nationwide in subsequent phases. The goal is to make cash flow transparent, increase budget revenue, and enhance national competitiveness.
The project has been submitted to the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance for consideration. These entities have agreed that Resolution 57 presents new opportunities for the collective economy to enter the digital age.
However, to transform these opportunities into real strengths, close coordination between the state, supporting organisations, and the cooperative community is essential. This collaboration will help turn the e-cooperative model into a new driving force for socioeconomic development and international integration.
Future Prospects and Goals
The successful development of this model is expected to significantly contribute to the goal of having at least two million effectively operating enterprises in Vietnam by 2030. It will also create new momentum for the development of the digital and collective economies.
As the country continues to embrace digital transformation, the role of cooperatives becomes increasingly vital. With the right policies, support, and collaboration, cooperatives can play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and fostering innovation.