Dutch chip giant ASML eyes Vietnam expansion as semiconductor ambitions accelerate
Vietnam’s plan to build a high-value semiconductor ecosystem is drawing attention from Dutch giant ASML, one of the world’s most critical chip equipment suppliers, signaling rising confidence in the country’s technology-led growth strategy.
THE HANOI TIMES — Advanced Semiconductor Materials Lithography (ASML), the Dutch semiconductor equipment maker, has expressed strong interest in expanding its supply chain in Vietnam and becoming an active participant in the country’s growing semiconductor industry.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (right) and ASML's Senior Vice President Eduard Stiphout at the meeting on January 15. Photo: VGP
At a meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on January 15, ASML Senior Vice President Eduard Stiphout said the group is seeking opportunities to deepen its supply chain presence in Vietnam.
ASML plans to explore cooperation on establishing a training and research-and-development center, setting up a formal presence and supplying equipment to potential customers in the country, he said.
Stiphout said ASML highly values Vietnam’s development strategy centered on science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, with semiconductors identified as a core priority.
He added that the company is ready to become part of Vietnam’s emerging semiconductor ecosystem.
ASML holds a unique global position through its exclusive extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography technology, which enables the production of advanced chips for artificial intelligence, 5G and high-performance computing.
The Dutch group ranks among the semiconductor industry’s most valuable companies, generating annual revenue of about US$30 billion to $35 billion and employing roughly 40,000 people across 60 sites worldwide.
ASML plays a pivotal role in the global semiconductor value chain and helps shape the technology roadmaps of leading chipmakers.
Prime Minister Chinh welcomed ASML’s interest, calling it a strong vote of confidence by a top global technology group in Vietnam’s investment environment and cooperation potential.
He said deeper engagement by ASML would strengthen practical cooperation between Vietnam and the Netherlands, especially in science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.
According to the Prime Minister, Vietnam is entering a strategically important phase as it targets double-digit economic growth and aims to achieve developed-country status by 2045.
The government continues to refine policies for science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, while investing heavily in modern, integrated infrastructure that meets the demanding standards of the semiconductor industry.
Vietnam has begun forming a semiconductor ecosystem and has attracted major global players such as Samsung, Intel, Nvidia, VDL-ETG, Tecnotion and Coherent. Domestic firms, including Viettel, FPT and VSAP Lab, also show strong potential for cooperation with international partners.
Prime Minister Chinh urged ASML to accelerate plans to establish a semiconductor training and R&D center in Vietnam and to help connect local firms more deeply with the company’s global supply chain.
He encouraged ASML to consider opening a representative office and supporting Vietnamese companies in digital infrastructure, manufacturing, research, testing and semiconductor-related technical services.
The prime minister also proposed workforce training programs, expert exchanges, internships and scholarship initiatives to support the development of Vietnam’s semiconductor talent pool.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting foreign investors, including ASML, to ensure stable, long-term and effective operations in Vietnam.
