Coherent expands semiconductor investment in Vietnam
The new semiconductor plant, which specializes in producing silicon carbide substrates, optical glass, and advanced photonics components, sits in Nhon Trach Commune in the southern province of Dong Nai.
THE HANOI TIMES — US semiconductor and photonics giant Coheren opened its $127 million manufacturing facility in Nhon Trach 1 Industrial Park on July 28, in the attendance of Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung.
The opening of the US$127-million manufacturing facility. Photos: VGP
Speaking at the event, Dung said that Vietnam is emerging as a strategic hub for the world’s top technology groups, including NVIDIA, Apple, Google, Qualcomm, Amkor, Marvell, Intel, and Meta.
Gary Kapusta, the company’s Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer, emphasized Vietnam’s critical role in its global supply chain, saying that the country has become a central node for Coherent's manufacturing and innovation activities. "The new facility allows us to better serve global demand, particularly in the AI and big data sectors.”
Coherent began its operations in Vietnam more than a decade ago at the Vietnam-Singapore (VSIP) Industrial Park 1 and currently operates a service center in Hanoi.
Over the years, the group has significantly expanded its footprint, employing over 2,000 people in Vietnam in manufacturing, product development, and photonics innovation.
The deputy prime minister encouraged Coherent to expand into higher-value segments of the semiconductor chain and strengthen its links with Vietnamese universities and research institutes.
He also invited the firm to set up research and development (R&D) centers or pilot labs at the Ministry of Finance's National Innovation Center (NIC) and high-tech parks, leveraging Vietnam’s supportive policies and public-private partnership initiatives.
“The Vietnamese Government is committed to creating a favorable, sustainable, and efficient business environment for both domestic and foreign investors,” the deputy prime minister said.
The signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding among the NIC, Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City, and Coherent Vietnam at the event.
The launch of Coherent’s facility carries added symbolic weight as the two countries approach the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations. It also contributes to the realization of the Joint Statement on upgrading Vietnam-US ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a practical and effective manner.
"This is a well-deserved result of Vietnam’s persistent efforts to attract strategic investments in the semiconductor and high-tech sectors," said Dung.
The deputy prime minister pointed out that Vietnam’s long-term strategy, as outlined in Politburo Resolution No. 57, positions science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as decisive factors for national development.
To achieve these goals, Vietnam is pursuing a variety of reforms, such as institutional modernization, infrastructure upgrades, and fostering a robust innovation ecosystem that encourages research and the application of frontier technologies.
Foreign investment policy has also shifted toward high-quality, selective capital inflows, prioritizing sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), clean energy, R&D, and smart infrastructure.
