US urged to support Vietnam’s access to high technology

THE HANOI TIMES — General Secretary To Lam has called on the US to facilitate Vietnam’s purchase of high-tech goods and promote the transfer of US advanced technologies to support the country’s economic development and boost its competitiveness.

Lam made the remarks during a meeting with US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper in Hanoi on September 29.

The discussion builds on the momentum since September 2023, when Vietnam and the US upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), designating high technology, including semiconductors, renewable energy and digital transformation, as a central pillar of the new framework.

Over the past year, several major US companies have entered into agreements with Vietnamese partners. FPT signed a US$200 million deal with  Nvidia to access cutting-edge chips and AI platforms, aiming to develop an AI ecosystem in Vietnam.

In energy, General Electric (GE) and Excelerate Energy have partnered with Petrovietnam (PVN) and PTSC on LNG, renewable power and digital solutions for energy transition.

These projects combine the purchase of US high-tech equipment with knowledge-sharing and technology transfer.

At the meeting, Ambassador Knapper affirmed that the US highly values Vietnam’s growing role and supports a “strong, independent, prosperous and resilient Vietnam.”

He said US businesses view Vietnam as an important link in global supply chains. He pledged to work with relevant US agencies to advance the agreements already reached and expand practical cooperation in high technology.

Party General Secretary To Lam said that Vietnam–US relations have developed substantively and become a model in international relations, demonstrating that countries can overcome the past to build a future of cooperation and friendship based on trust, mutual respect and shared interests.

Concrete actions

The Party chief affirmed that Vietnam always regards the US as a strategic partner and wishes to work together to effectively implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Highlighting the private sector as a key driver of the economy, Lam said Vietnam would continue to create favorable conditions for American businesses to invest and would encourage Vietnamese enterprises to expand operations in the United States.

In this regard, Vietnam has actively facilitated the operation of US companies. Its leaders have affirmed that foreign businesses, including those from the United States, are an essential driver of the country’s economic growth.

In the high-tech sector, Vietnam has welcomed major US investors in semiconductors, digital transformation and artificial intelligence. Following President Joe Biden’s visit to Hanoi in September 2023, the two countries signed a memorandum of cooperation on semiconductors.

Vietnam pledged to support US semiconductor firms with infrastructure and workforce training, while the US provided initial funding to help Vietnam develop human resources in this strategic industry.

US energy giants such as GE, AES, and ExxonMobil have expanded operations in Vietnam, integrating projects in LNG-to-power, renewable energy, and grid modernization into the country’s Power Development Plan VIII to advance its energy transition.

Vietnamese leaders have stressed their commitment to a transparent and predictable investment climate. US technology and manufacturing companies, including Intel, Apple and Amkor, have expanded their supply chains in Vietnam, benefiting from streamlined licensing and stronger intellectual property protections.

Vietnam, with removal of regulatory barriers and stronger partnerships in high-tech and energy, has created conditions for US firms to operate successfully, reflecting the strategic importance of economic cooperation in the comprehensive relationship.

On the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly General Debate in New York, US Senator Marco Rubio told Vietnamese President Luong Cuong on September 24 that the US views Vietnam as one of its top priority partners in the region.

He said the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership should be deepened and made more substantive and the two countries have great potential for cooperation in economy, trade and investment.