The Conclusion calls for stronger intellectual property protection and management, recognizing intellectual property as a strategic resource for enhancing national competitiveness and promoting sustainable development. It identifies intellectual property as a core factor of strategic autonomy and international trade competitiveness, contributing to national security and elevating Vietnam’s global standing.
Strategic autonomy in the new technological era
As the world enters the age of artificial intelligence (AI), countries that lack ownership of core technologies or the capacity to protect intellectual assets risk remaining dependent on foreign technologies and vulnerable to geopolitical disruptions. Conclusion 51 elevates intellectual property to a critical component of national security, closely linked to the goal of strategic autonomy, to protect big data, trade secrets, and domestic innovations from emerging risks at an early stage.
Intellectual property is also becoming an essential passport to deeper global integration. As Vietnam participates in next-generation free trade agreements such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), stronger intellectual property protection will help its products expand into international markets while minimizing legal risks and creating a favorable environment for attracting high-quality foreign direct investment from leading technology corporations. Building a secure and internationally aligned intellectual property ecosystem is a crucial step in enhancing Vietnam’s competitiveness and credibility on the global stage.
To ensure that intellectual property effectively supports socio-economic development, the Politburo has emphasized a shared understanding that intellectual property rights are a valuable national resource. The creation, commercialization, and protection of intellectual assets are viewed as essential to boosting competitiveness, sustaining economic growth, and safeguarding Vietnam’s long-term development prospects.
Yet, intellectual property in Vietnam has, for many years, often been approached through a predominantly administrative lens. Conclusion 51 marks a major shift by promoting an ecosystem-based approach that treats intellectual property as a distinct economic asset. Intellectual assets must be properly valued so businesses can leverage them to raise capital, form partnerships, and expand investment opportunities. At the same time, a more dynamic technology market can help transform scientific research into commercial products and tangible economic value closely aligned with market demand.
Stronger cross-sector enforcement
The Politburo has also called for urgent legal reforms and stronger inter-agency enforcement mechanisms to address intellectual property violations. Combating copyright infringement and online piracy will protect creators and at the same time foster a broader culture of respect for innovation and intellectual labor throughout society.
In recent months, ministries, sectors, and local authorities have stepped up efforts to combat intellectual property violations. Major General Nguyen Quoc Toan, Chief of Office and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Public Security, said law enforcement agencies have advised on legal reforms aimed at strengthening the fight against intellectual property crimes. Intellectual property related legislation has been amended while the fight against copyright infringement, industrial property violations, and counterfeit goods production and distribution has been intensified.
Mr. Toan said: “Over the past month, authorities have blocked 194 websites, including those offering illegal movie streaming, e-commerce services, and football match livestreams. Law enforcement agencies nationwide have also prosecuted 56 cases involving 98 suspects for copyright infringement, industrial property violations, and counterfeit goods offenses.”
Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long said: “We are aiming to develop digital technologies as the foundation of future enforcement efforts, promote the development of interconnected databases, and tighten the accountability of e-commerce platforms. The Prime Minister has approved a pilot system using automated data-screening software and artificial intelligence to identify online locations involved in counterfeit sales and intellectual property violations, enabling early warning mechanisms and more effective enforcement.”
Conclusion 51 represents a strategic recognition of intellectual property as a cornerstone of Vietnam’s new growth model. Strengthening intellectual property protection and commercialization is one of the key pathways for Vietnam to achieve sustainable development, enhance economic self-reliance, and safeguard national interests in an increasingly digital and technology-driven world.
