The 2026 Economic Census in Vietnam: A Comprehensive Overview and Personal Insights
The 2026 Economic Census in Vietnam is a monumental undertaking, a statistical endeavor that holds the key to understanding the country's socio-economic landscape. As an expert commentator, I find this census particularly fascinating due to its scale, strategic importance, and the innovative technologies employed. In this article, I will delve into the core objectives, strategic significance, and the challenges faced during its implementation, offering my personal insights and analysis.
A Census Like No Other
The 2026 Economic Census is a comprehensive assessment of Vietnam's economic landscape, aiming to provide a detailed picture of economic establishments, their workforce, production, and business performance. What makes this census unique is its focus on information technology adoption and digital transformation, a critical aspect of Vietnam's economic evolution. The data collected will serve as the foundation for key national statistical indicators, including GDP and GRDP, and support the rebasing of national accounts.
One of the main advantages of this census is the strong direction and effective coordination from the central to local levels. The unified national statistical system played a pivotal role in its success, with enumerators and supervisors thoroughly trained and well-versed in their assigned areas. Local authorities also attached great importance to public communications, implementing detailed awareness campaigns through various channels, which was instrumental in ensuring the census's smooth implementation.
However, the census was not without its challenges. The timing of its implementation coincided with the consolidation of Vietnam's two-tier local government model, leading to significant organisational changes. The establishment of provincial and commune-level steering committees during the preparation phase added to the difficulties. Moreover, the accelerated timetable required for the publication of results posed a significant challenge, necessitating timely adjustments to preparation and implementation while maintaining data quality.
Data Collection: A Comprehensive Approach
The data collection process was meticulously organised to ensure comprehensive coverage. The fieldwork was divided into two main phases, with the first phase focusing on collecting information from over 5.25 million household business establishments, over 52,000 religious establishments, and nearly 8,000 cooperative groups. The second phase covered over 1.22 million enterprises and cooperatives, around 3,300 non-public service units, approximately 11,600 associations, professional organisations, and licensed foreign non-governmental organisations operating in Vietnam, along with over 1,600 branches and representative offices of enterprises.
The staggered approach allowed for efficient resource allocation and aligned the survey schedule with the reporting cycles of respondents. For instance, enterprises were surveyed only after completing their annual financial statements, ensuring complete and accurate information on the census questionnaires. This meticulous planning and execution demonstrate the census's commitment to accuracy and scientific rigour.
Technological Innovations: A Major Breakthrough
The 2026 Economic Census introduced several major innovations, most notably the application of information technology. Artificial intelligence (AI) was used to automatically assign industrial classification codes, while digital mapping technology enabled real-time monitoring of fieldwork progress. The use of administrative data, including tax, business registration, and customs records, was also significantly enhanced, reducing the amount of information respondents needed to provide.
The integration of digital technology throughout the census process was a major breakthrough. Paper questionnaires were eliminated, and information was collected through web-based electronic forms and Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) using mobile devices. AI was deployed to automatically classify economic activities, and digital maps enabled real-time monitoring and updating of fieldwork progress. These technological advancements substantially improved data quality and transparency, marking a significant leap forward in Vietnam's statistical sector.
Lessons Learned: A Blueprint for Future Surveys
Based on the successful implementation of the 2026 Economic Census, several key lessons have been drawn for future nationwide statistical surveys. First, leadership and direction must be unified, decisive, and consistent from the central to local levels. Effective inter-agency coordination, as evidenced by the close cooperation of ministries and agencies, including the Ministries of Finance, Public Security, and Home Affairs, proved to be a decisive factor in the census's success.
Second, inspection and supervision should be carried out simultaneously through both on-site and online methods throughout the data collection process, allowing errors to be detected and corrected at the earliest possible stage. Third, communications should be continuous and delivered through diverse channels, including newspapers, television, LED displays, social media, and infographics, to help people and businesses understand their rights and responsibilities in providing accurate information.
Finally, continued investment in information technology is critical to modernising official statistics. This includes maximising the use of existing administrative data and further strengthening the application of AI and digital mapping technologies to improve efficiency and optimise resources. These lessons will undoubtedly inform and enhance future statistical surveys in Vietnam, contributing to the country's ongoing socio-economic development.
In conclusion, the 2026 Economic Census in Vietnam is a remarkable achievement, a testament to the country's commitment to data-driven decision-making. As an expert commentator, I find it fascinating to witness the innovative technologies employed and the strategic importance of the census. The lessons learned from this census will undoubtedly shape the future of Vietnam's statistical sector, contributing to the country's ongoing socio-economic development and progress.
