Vietnam and Laos are studying a pilot plan for mutual recognition of digital signatures, initially in the fields of customs and import and export of goods.

This is one of the contents discussed between the National Electronic Authentication Center (NEAC) - Ministry of Science and Technology and the Lao National Internet Center (LANIC), at a working session in Hanoi, October 26.

Specifically, the authorities of the two countries are promoting pilot mutual recognition of digital signatures in the fields of customs, import and export of goods. This activity aims to digitize documents, simplify procedures and facilitate cross-border electronic transactions.

According to the discussed plan, NEAC introduced to Laos the Common Trust List model (Trust List). In particular, each country develops and publishes a list of organizations providing digital signature authentication services that meet the requirements, as a basis for researching the mechanism for authenticating and accepting digital signatures between the two countries.

NEAC Deputy Director Pham Quoc Hoan emphasized that the cooperation mechanism needs to ensure the independence of technical infrastructure and be consistent with the legal system of each country. Vietnam is ready to support Laos in reviewing and evaluating technical conditions to research appropriate implementation plans.

He said that the Common Trust List model needs to be researched in an open direction, not only serving bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and Laos but also creating a premise for expanding connectivity, towards recognition of digital signatures with countries in the ASEAN region in the future.

In response to NEAC's proposal, Mr. Minaxay Philavong, Director of the Lao National Internet Center, expressed his desire to recognize digital signatures, giving priority to applications in customs and import-export. Laos also wants Vietnam to increase technical support, human resource training and share experiences in improving legal policies.

In addition, the Lao side shared the orientation of integrating digital signatures into the national electronic identification application LA-EID, similar to Vietnam's VNeID, to expand the ability to provide public services and promote electronic transactions.

According to the National Electronic Authentication Center, as of October 15, Vietnam issued 36.16 million digital signature certificates, with the universalization rate of digital signatures reaching 52.26% of the adult population. NEAC representative said that the working sessions and experience sharing between Vietnam and Laos are the basis for the two sides to gradually implement cooperative activities, facilitating cross-border electronic transactions.

Zhong Dat

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