The scheme, which has received the Prime Minister's approval, also sets a target of over US$800 million in gross revenues a year, including at least 40 percent from the export of software products and services.

The industry's workforce is to develop to between 55,000 and 60,000 people, each of whom is expected to produce an annual output value of US$15,000 on average.

Vietnam plans to lead the world's software markets in foreign direct investment and join the group of the top 15 software sub-contractors.

The programme also aims to reduce violations of intellectual property rights to the regional average.

Of the estimated investment, 30 percent will be funded by the central Government and another 30 percent by local budgets. The remaining 40 percent is expected to come from other financial sources, including enterprises and official development assistance (ODA).