Proposal for a national data program tracking green growth

This is a key finding of the Rapid Assessment of Data Gaps for Green Transition and SDG Monitoring in Viet Nam, jointly developed by the Embassy of Denmark and an independent consultant, and unveiled at a technical workshop organized by the National Statistics Office.

The assessment was conducted as part of the long-standing strategic cooperation between Denmark and Viet Nam in the field of statistics. It evaluates the availability, accessibility, usability and integration readiness of data sources for monitoring the National Green Growth Strategy and the Viet Nam Sustainable Development Goals (VSDGs).

According to the assessment, Viet Nam has a relatively extensive pool of administrative, statistical and technical data held by ministries, sectors and government agencies. However, much of its potential remains untapped due to the lack of standardized data, interoperability and integration across information systems.

Many datasets related to sustainable development have been developed independently to meet the management needs of individual sectors. Differences in data standards, the absence of comprehensive metadata, and limited data-sharing mechanisms have made cross-agency integration difficult, reducing the effectiveness of administrative data for official statistics and evidence-based policymaking.

“Alongside energy, climate, investment, employment and the environment, the green transition also depends on a less visible but equally critical element: information. Sound decisions require reliable evidence, and reliable evidence comes from high-quality data,” said Mette Ekeroth, Deputy Ambassador of Denmark to Viet Nam.

According to the Deputy Ambassador, one of the report’s most significant findings is that the current challenge lies not in generating more data, but in enabling existing data to be better connected, shared and effectively utilized across systems and institutions.

The assessment also notes that the Government’s issuance of Decree No. 278/2025/ND-CP on mandatory data connectivity and sharing marks a significant step forward in reforming national data governance. The new legal framework is expected to provide a solid foundation for improving data interoperability across government agencies, while its consistent and effective implementation will be a key priority in the period ahead.

To address the identified gaps, the assessment recommends that the National Statistics Office lead the development of a National Programme on Data for Green Growth and Sustainable Development Goals Monitoring (2026-2030). The programme aims to strengthen data governance coordination across ministries and sectors, promote the use of administrative data in official statistics, and develop an integrated national data ecosystem to support sustainable development.

According to the Embassy of Denmark, the assessment forms part of the long-standing cooperation between Denmark and Viet Nam to strengthen statistical capacity and promote data- and evidence-driven policymaking. Through its partnership with the National Statistics Office and Statistics Denmark, Denmark reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Viet Nam in improving the quality of its data systems, advancing the green transition, promoting sustainable development, and attracting high-quality investment.