Log in
Econ

Poor linkage between domestic and foreign firms remains a headache of policy makers

Productivity and technology spillover effects from FDI enterprises to locals have remained far from the desired, according to VnExpress.

Thirty years since Vietnam opened up its economy to foreign investment, the lack of linkage between domestic and foreign enterprises remains a major issue as the country continue to attract FDI for economic development, according to a report published by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). 
 
Illustrative photo.
A Samsung mobile phone plant in Vietnam.
Under this context, productivity and technology spillover effects from FDI enterprises to locals have been limited, stated VCCI. 

Statistics showed that only 20% of FDI in Vietnam operate under the form of joint-venture, while less than 14% of local private enterprises are supplying materials and services for the FDI sector. 

Additionally, vertical linkage between FDI and local companies has also been inefficient, as less than 30% of inputs of the FDI sector are purchased in Vietnam, while the majority came from other FDI enterprises. 

According to the report, Vietnam has been a successful story in attracting FDI, thanks to cheap labor cost and high level of market openness. However, Pham Cao Vinh, chairman of Goldsun Packaging and Printing Company, one of a handful Vietnamese enterprises being Samsung’s tier-1 vendors, said that low cost is not the most important factor. 

For FDI enterprises, the most important thing is quality, commitment on delivery time and high standard on environment and labor rights, Vinh said to VnExpress. 

The company’s recently launched factory worth US$21.3 million is specialized in making packaging for Samsung electronic products. More than half of Samsung smartphones are made in Vietnam, but only three Vietnamese enterprises participate in the supply chain of product packaging and manual. 

Despite a unit price of US$2 per packaging and contributing less than 1% to Samsung’s product price, companies have to invest a huge amount of resources to maintain its vendor status of Samsung. 

Goldsun’s US$20-million factory is just part of its total investment of VND2 trillion (US$85.49 million) that the company is carrying out to make packaging for Samsung’s smartphones. 

High requirements on technology and products are major barriers of Vietnamese enterprises to join supply chain of multinational companies, Vinh said. 

Nevertheless, sales to Samsung brought in revenue of VND600 billion (US$25.65 million) in 2018 for Goldsun, accounting for the company’s half of the total revenue.

However, the number of local enterprises joining Samsung’s supply chain remains modest, standing at 29 out of a total of 200 tier-1 vendors. By 2020, the number is expected to increase to 50. 
Reactions:
Share:
Trending
Most Viewed
Real estate firms sell bonds worth $402 million in May

Real estate firms sell bonds worth $402 million in May

Real estate companies have raised $862 million from bond issuance in April and May, thanks to an improved business environment and better access to funding.

Vietnam unveils new strategies to boost domestic market, aid businesses

Vietnam unveils new strategies to boost domestic market, aid businesses

As global trade uncertainties grow, Vietnam sees the domestic market not only as a key consumption driver but also a “lifeline” for businesses hit by protectionist export barriers.

Vietnam eyes US tilapia export boost as global supply falls

Vietnam eyes US tilapia export boost as global supply falls

Vietnam aims to increase tilapia output to 400,000 tons by 2030, making it the second-largest freshwater export species after pangasius.

Vietnam’s enterprises must act fast to weather US tariff shock: Experts 

Vietnam’s enterprises must act fast to weather US tariff shock: Experts 

Many of the key Vietnamese exports, such as wood products, electronics, and textiles, that are not on the US exclusion list could face steep tariffs.

Vietnam's mobile money pilot program extended to end of 2025

Vietnam's mobile money pilot program extended to end of 2025

Mobile Money, launched by the Ministry of Science and Technology, differs from e-wallets by linking users’ payment accounts directly to mobile phone numbers.

Vietnam taps innovation, global ties to elevate national brand

Vietnam taps innovation, global ties to elevate national brand

Vietnam is intensifying efforts to enhance its national brand, leveraging innovation, global partnerships, and strategic policies to bolster its global competitiveness and market presence.

Vietnam extends US$3.9 billion loan package for agro-forestry-fisheries

Vietnam extends US$3.9 billion loan package for agro-forestry-fisheries

The government has expanded the scope and scale of the credit program for the sectors which brought about US$62.4 billion worth of exports in 2024.

Vietnamese public shows rising satisfaction in 2024 PAPI survey

Vietnamese public shows rising satisfaction in 2024 PAPI survey

The 2024 PAPI survey found increasing citizen satisfaction with governance, but highlighted persistent administrative challenges, climate vulnerability, and gaps in access to public services.