An Analysis of Vietnam's ICT and Software Services Sector

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of Vietnam's position in the global ICT and Software services industry. Vietnam entry in this increasingly competitive sector is built on a foundation of positive macroeconomic changes and investments from government and multi-lateral organizations. Using an analytical framework that includes nine significant factors for newly competitive countries, this paper suggests that Vietnam's competitive strengths include cost effective workforce, improving infrastructure, linkages with key markets and an ambitious national vision. The country has benefited by attracting investment and established local presence of industry leaders. However Vietnam is a late entrant to the market and has weaknesses in key areas such as finance and international benchmarking.