The modernization and industrialization of Vietnam is being developed through the broad application of science and technology information. This function is being coordinated through the National Centre for Scientific and Technological Information (NACESTI).

NACESTI is responsible for developing strategies that harness the power of science and technology information for the benefit of the nation. There is a major drive towards digitization of information and provision of this information online. NACESTI coordinates the activities of governmental and academic bodies, including 61 provincial centers, 40 ministerial centers and more than 300 research and development institutes at universities and tertiary education colleges. Electronic libraries are becoming increasingly well-equipped and widespread. For instance, NACESTI is responsible for the development of both the Central E-Lib of the National Centre for Sciences and Technologies of Vietnam as well as the E-Lib of the Information Centre for Agriculture and Rural Development.

As a result of the ravages of war, underinvestment and its status as a developing nation, Vietnam was a relative late-comer to the Internet. In 1997, less than a quarter of one percent of the population regularly used this medium, as against a global average of 9.1%. However, government connectivity initiatives coordinated through NACESTI have ensured that all R&D institutes, universities, colleges and schools are now able to access information online. The Internet is being used to connect all aspects of society, from government to education, industry to administration. Many of these developments in infrastructure have been accomplished in collaboration with overseas governments, made possible by grants from both the EU and individual member nations, including Sweden.

Country fact file
82.7 people live in Vietnam. Per capita GDP is estimated at $2,500, with 37% living below the poverty line. The literacy rate is currently 90%.