Viet Nam to release 2026 Economic Census next June
VGP - Initial findings of Viet Nam’s 2026 Economic Census will be released on June 30, 2026—seven months ahead of schedule, said Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang.
Initial findings of Viet Nam’s 2026 Economic Census are expected to be available on June 30, 2026
The 2026 Census features several notable updates. For the first time, it will cover cooperative groups and online household businesses—two categories not included in previous surveys. The questionnaire has also been revised to better reflect digital transformation, the adoption of science and technology, and innovation in production and business operations.
Information technology will be applied across all stages of the census, from preparation and data collection to processing and verification. Artificial intelligence will support industry classification, while digital mapping tools will monitor real-time implementation progress. Data sharing between the census and administrative databases—including business registration, taxation and customs—will be strengthened.
The Census will comprehensively gather data on enterprises, household businesses, religious establishments, non-public service units, associations, and licensed foreign non-governmental organizations operating in Viet Nam.
Its results will provide a foundation for building a national socio-economic database aligned with newly adjusted provincial and commune-level administrative boundaries, serving governance, management and oversight needs in the country's next development phase.
As of February 9, data collection for the first phase—covering household production and business establishments, religious and belief institutions, and cooperative groups—had reached 57.6 percent nationwide, with several provinces reporting high completion rates. However, authorities noted disparities in progress among localities and difficulties in encouraging some business owners to fully disclose financial information.
The on-site data collection period for the first phase will be shortened to 20 days, ending on March 10. The second phase, which covers enterprises, non-public service units, associations, and licensed foreign NGOs, will run from March 1 to April 30—four months shorter than initially planned.
Despite the tight timeline, Minister Nguyen stressed that the census must maintain strict standards of accuracy, while eliminating unnecessary indicators to enhance efficiency and ensure practical value./.
