Vietnam Elevates Intellectual Property as Strategic Asset to Boost National Security and Economic Growth

The Vietnamese Politburo has formally elevated intellectual property (IP) to a strategic asset vital for national development and security through Conclusion 51. This policy recognizes IP as a core factor in enhancing Vietnam’s competitiveness in international trade, safeguarding national security, and advancing sustainable economic growth.

Conclusion 51 highlights the increasing importance of IP in the era of artificial intelligence (AI). It warns that countries lacking ownership of core technologies or the capacity to protect intellectual assets risk dependency on foreign technologies and vulnerability to geopolitical disruptions. Consequently, the policy positions intellectual property protection as integral to achieving strategic autonomy, emphasizing the safeguarding of big data, trade secrets, and domestic innovations from emerging risks at an early stage.

Vietnam’s deeper integration into next-generation free trade agreements, such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), further underscores the need for robust IP protection. Strengthening IP frameworks will facilitate Vietnamese products’ access to international markets, reduce legal risks, and create a favorable environment for attracting high-quality foreign direct investment, particularly from leading technology corporations.

The Politburo stresses that intellectual property rights constitute a valuable national resource. The creation, commercialization, and protection of intellectual assets are essential to boosting competitiveness, sustaining economic growth, and securing Vietnam’s long-term development prospects.

Historically, Vietnam’s approach to intellectual property has been predominantly administrative. Conclusion 51 marks a significant shift by promoting an ecosystem-based approach that treats intellectual property as a distinct economic asset. Proper valuation of intellectual assets will enable businesses to leverage them for capital raising, partnerships, and investment expansion. Additionally, fostering a dynamic technology market will help translate scientific research into commercial products aligned with market demand.

To support these goals, the Politburo calls for urgent legal reforms and enhanced inter-agency enforcement mechanisms to combat IP violations. Addressing copyright infringement and online piracy is a priority to protect creators and cultivate a societal culture that respects innovation and intellectual labor.

Recent enforcement efforts have intensified across ministries, sectors, and local authorities. Major General Nguyen Quoc Toan, Chief of Office and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Public Security, reported that law enforcement agencies have advised on legal reforms to strengthen the fight against intellectual property crimes. Amendments to IP-related legislation have been enacted, and enforcement against copyright infringement, industrial property violations, and counterfeit goods production and distribution has been stepped up.

Over the past month, authorities have blocked 194 websites involved in illegal movie streaming, e-commerce services, and unauthorized football match livestreams. Nationwide prosecutions have targeted 56 cases involving 98 suspects for offenses related to copyright infringement, industrial property violations, and counterfeit goods.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long outlined plans to develop digital technologies as the foundation for future enforcement efforts. This includes promoting interconnected databases and increasing the accountability of e-commerce platforms. The Prime Minister has approved a pilot system employing automated data-screening software and artificial intelligence to identify online locations engaged in counterfeit sales and IP violations, enabling early warnings and more effective enforcement.

Conclusion 51 represents a strategic recognition of intellectual property as a cornerstone of Vietnam’s new growth model. Strengthening IP protection and commercialization is a key pathway for achieving sustainable development, enhancing economic self-reliance, and safeguarding national interests in an increasingly digital and technology-driven global environment.

The Vietnamese Government’s nationwide campaign to crack down on intellectual property violations aims to make enforcement more effective, strengthen prosecution, foster a transparent business environment, and enhance Vietnam’s credibility in international integration. Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang affirmed that combating IP violations remains a high priority and consistent policy to build a healthy business climate and transform Vietnam’s growth model through science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.