Vietnam – Laos will cross-recognize digital signatures

Director of the National Electronic Authentication Center (NEAC) To Thi Thu Huong proposed establishing a working group to research, build and operate a common Trust List between Vietnam and Laos. The proposal was raised at the Vietnam – Laos conference on developing digital trusted infrastructure and applying digital signatures, on the afternoon of June 25 in Vientiane (Laos).

Digital signature is a method of authenticating identity and document content in the online environment, with the same legal value as a handwritten signature. In Vietnam, digital signature services have appeared since 2007. This tool is currently used in tax declaration, signing contracts, and online transactions, helping to save time and increase transparency.

The head of the National Electronic Authentication Center said that Trust List is an important technical and legal platform, promoting interoperability and mutual recognition between Vietnam – Laos digital signature authentication and trust service providers.

The development of a common trust list is expected to be piloted in the customs field. Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui Hoang Phuong highly appreciated this, saying that this is “a landmark mechanism for the two countries’ digital signatures to be directly cross-recognized,” he said.

According to Deputy Minister Phuong, cross-recognized digital signatures are the key to forming “smart border gates”, simplifying customs clearance procedures and creating “outstanding competitive advantages” for businesses of the two countries.

On the Lao side, Deputy Minister of Technology and Communications Keovisouk Solaphom affirmed: “Digital signatures are a core tool to verify identity, protect data and create digital trust online.”

He highly appreciated Vietnam’s digital transformation achievements, considering it “invaluable practical experience” for Laos, in the fields of electronic invoices, taxes, finance, health, education… Leaders of the Lao Ministry of Technology and Communications believe that the cooperation between the Lao National Internet Center (LANIC) and NEAC will open up breakthrough solutions to promote safe electronic transactions, bringing Laos’ digital economy to sustainable development.

Also on the same day, NEAC coordinated with LANIC to organize an intensive technical training course for Lao officials. Vietnamese experts have directly guided and transferred to improve professional capacity for their country.

According to NEAC’s report, by the end of 2025, the total number of digital signature certificates issued in Vietnam will reach about 26.45 million, equivalent to 38.2% of the adult population. In 2025 alone, the number of newly issued certificates exceeds 12.56 million, an increase of 256.8% over the same period in 2024. The number of digital signature certificates issued in 2025 is equivalent to the total number issued in the previous 10 years.