Under the revised plan, stages of information collection, data consolidation and preparation of the preliminary report will all be accelerated, Thang stressed.

However, he noted that the adjustment of the plan must be implemented in a concerted and resolute manner, ensuring that faster progress goes hand in hand with the quality and credibility of the data.

Originally slated for completion by late 2026 or early 2027, the census timeline has been reviewed and recalibrated to meet the requirement for earlier data release. The Central Steering Committee has reassigned responsibilities to ministries, sectors and local steering committees, urging close coordination nationwide to ensure results are finalised and announced no later than June 30.

The National Statistics Office was tasked with revising both the overall and detailed implementation plans, finalising survey materials and software, and providing timely guidance to ministries and localities. It will continue to monitor progress, assess data quality, and promptly report challenges to the minister and the Central Steering Committee. Inspection and supervision of field data collection will be strengthened to safeguard both schedule and accuracy.

Notably, the 2026 Economic Census introduces several new features. It expands coverage to include cooperative groups and household businesses operating online - two categories not previously surveyed. Survey content has also been updated to better capture digital transformation, the application of scientific and technological advances, and innovation in production and business activities.

Information technology will be applied throughout all stages of the census, from preparation and collection to processing and validation. Artificial intelligence will assist in industry classification, while digital mapping tools will track real-time progress. Data connectivity between the census and administrative databases, such as business registration, taxation and customs, will also be enhanced.

The census will comprehensively collect information on enterprises, household businesses, religious establishments, non-public service units, associations and licensed foreign non-governmental organisations operating in Viet Nam.

The results will serve as a foundation for building a national socio-economic database aligned with new provincial and commune-level administrative boundaries, supporting governance, management and oversight in the country’s new development phase.

As of February 9, data collection for the first phase, which covers household production and business establishments, religious and belief establishments, and cooperative groups had reached 57.6% nationwide, with several provinces recording high completion rates. However, authorities acknowledged uneven progress across localities and challenges 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, concluding on March 10. Meanwhile, in the second phase which covers enterprises, non-public service units, associations, and licensed foreign non-governmental organisations operating in Viet Nam, the data collection period will be reduced by four months compared to the original plan, commencing on March 1 and concluding on April 30.

Despite the accelerated schedule, Thang reiterated that the census must uphold strict standards of accuracy, while streamlining unnecessary indicators to avoid wastefulness and ensure practical value.