Vietnam’s Party General Secretary and State President, To Lam, attended a significant seminar in New York focused on enhancing cooperation between Vietnam and the U.S. in the development of the semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) industries.
The event brought together leaders and experts from prominent technology organisations and companies, including AMD, Google, Marvell, the U.S. Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), and the Global Semiconductor Alliance (SEMI).
Vietnam’s Minister of Planning and Investment, Nguyen Chi Dung, opened the seminar, highlighting the rapid development of Vietnam-U.S. relations, particularly in the economic, trade, and investment sectors. He emphasised the substantial potential for collaboration in high-tech fields, such as semiconductors and AI.
According to Dung, strengthening partnerships between the two nations in these industries will create numerous opportunities for businesses to leverage each side’s advantages.
Dung noted that Vietnam’s commitment to AI development is already in motion, with a national AI strategy issued in 2021. Additionally, a program aimed at developing human resources for the semiconductor industry was recently signed by the Prime Minister on September 21, 2024. Vietnam aims to train 50,000 engineers for the semiconductor sector by 2030, reflecting the country’s proactive approach to developing a skilled workforce for high-tech industries.
During the seminar, representatives from global tech organisations shared international insights on semiconductor and AI development and emphasised the vast potential for cooperation with Vietnam. Experts praised Vietnam’s strategic direction in these fields and expressed optimism that the country will become a hub for investment in semiconductor and AI industries in the near future.
President To Lam, speaking at the event, reiterated that Vietnam views science, technology, and innovation as core pillars for rapid and sustainable national development. He emphasised that advancing the semiconductor and AI industries is a strategic priority, and critical to boosting the growth of related industries and enhancing Vietnam’s global competitiveness.
Lam highlighted that Vietnam is currently undergoing a key transformation towards a digital, green, and circular economy. The government is focused on fostering science and technology to achieve breakthroughs in productivity and economic growth. In line with this, Vietnam is encouraging targeted investment in high-tech sectors, particularly in semiconductors, AI, renewable energy, and green hydrogen. These areas, Lam noted, align with the strengths of U.S. investors, making the collaboration highly promising.
Reflecting on the Vietnam-U.S. relationship, Lam remarked on the positive outcomes since the normalisation of relations in 1995. The recent upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a strong focus on innovation and semiconductors, presents further opportunities for collaboration between the two nations in high-tech industries.
Vietnam’s strengths in AI and semiconductor development are supported by its well-established IT industry. Over the past two decades, the country has trained a significant number of programmers and IT professionals, which forms a solid foundation for further growth in these fields. Major global companies, including Samsung, Intel, and Foxconn, are already investing in Vietnam’s semiconductor and AI sectors, with many others preparing to initiate operations in the country.
To Lam concluded by affirming Vietnam’s commitment to international cooperation in high-tech fields. He welcomed U.S. businesses and organisations to join Vietnam in developing innovative and sustainable solutions in semiconductors and AI. He expressed confidence that the strengthened Vietnam-U.S. partnership will contribute to both nations’ progress in these key sectors, supporting long-term, sustainable development.
This seminar reflects Vietnam’s determination to become a global player in the semiconductor and AI industries, as it seeks to build robust value chains and foster collaborative innovation with international partners.
