Vietnam’s digital economy and prospects for regional integration through the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement

This study examines the potential effects of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement on Vietnam’s digital economy amid deeper regional digital integration. Using a qualitative approach based on secondary-document analysis, policy comparison, and the PESTEL framework, the study assesses Vietnam’s readiness from political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal perspectives. The findings indicate that the agreement could support digital trade expansion, stronger data governance, increased investment in digital infrastructure, and improved digital capabilities. However, Vietnam’s ability to benefit from these opportunities depends on addressing domestic constraints, particularly fragmented policy coordination, infrastructure gaps, cybersecurity risks, and the limited digital capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises. The study views the agreement as a catalyst for upgrading Vietnam’s digital economy toward greater competitiveness, security, integration, and sustainability.