The adoption of electronic contracts (e-contracts) in Vietnam is becoming an important driver of digital transformation and economic growth, helping enterprises and customers save time, reduce costs, and overcome geographical barriers in transactions.
One-Third of Enterprises Already Using E-Contracts
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At the Conference on the Development of Electronic Contracts in Vietnam on June 16, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) reported that by the end of 2021, about one-third of surveyed enterprises had implemented e-contracts in their commercial activities — a figure that is rising rapidly, especially among businesses dealing with partners in developed markets.
Deputy Minister Nguyễn Sinh Nhật Tân stated that Vietnamese businesses are gradually shifting from traditional paper-based contracts and documents to digital ones, a transition accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to him, adopting electronic contracts helps businesses and their customers save time and costs while reducing the impact of disruptions caused by the pandemic or physical distance.
MOIT’s 2022 Goal: Replace All Paper Contracts
In 2022, MOIT aims to help citizens and enterprises completely replace traditional contracts with e-contracts. To achieve this, the ministry plans to enhance supervision and management of electronic contract certification authorities (CeCA) — organizations licensed to authenticate e-contracts.
Deputy Minister Tân emphasized:
“Turning electronic contracts into a lever for economic development marks a crucial milestone in Vietnam’s digital transformation — first in domestic transactions and eventually in cross-border e-contracts.”
Strengthening Legal Frameworks and Trust Systems
In parallel with improving the legal framework, the Department of E-Commerce and Digital Economy (MOIT) has been developing solutions to support third parties such as banks, auditors, tax agencies, and dispute resolution bodies, enabling them to verify and authenticate the original value of electronic contracts.
According to Lê Đức Anh, Director of the Center for Information Technology and Digital Technology (MOIT), e-contract transactions in Vietnam are classified into three levels:
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Both parties use digital signatures.
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A combination of digital signatures and eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) methods.
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Contracts validated by CeCA-certified entities, ensuring data integrity, confidentiality, and legal enforceability.
Once signed, e-contracts are uploaded to the Vietnam Electronic Contract Development Platform operated by the Ministry. Through this platform, certified CeCAs can interconnect, share verification data, and provide services directly to end-users.
17 Organizations Join the National E-Contract Platform
As of mid-2022, 17 organizations have registered and are preparing to integrate with the Vietnam E-Contract Development Platform, officially launched by the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
The initiative marks a major step toward building a trusted, transparent digital ecosystem for e-contract transactions — a foundation for Vietnam’s digital economy and cross-border trade integration.