Vietnam launches semiconductor network in bid to strengthen global position

The Vietnam Semiconductor Network was officially launched at the Vietnam Semiconductor Summit on October 29, and is expected to strengthen Vietnam's position in the global value chain and contribute to the modernization of the economy.

The Vietnam Semiconductor Network launch ceremony. Photo: Thanh Thanh

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung, reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to being an active contributor to the global innovation ecosystem of the semiconductor industry.

Dung said that the country has the necessary conditions and factors to develop the semiconductor industry. In particular, the Government is always interested in promoting investment and development in the semiconductor industry.

Furthermore, Vietnam has attracted an increasing number of large semiconductor corporations from the US, South Korea, Japan, and European countries, according to Dung.

"Vietnam has offered various attractive investment incentive mechanisms for semiconductor companies. Semiconductor investment projects in high-tech fields receive the highest incentives permissible under Vietnamese law," he said.

Dung said that Vietnam has abundant human resources in engineering and technology suitable for the semiconductor industry. The country has developed a human resources development plan that aims to build a team of 50,000 engineers for the industry by 2030.

Vietnam has also established the National Innovation Center (NIC) and three high-tech zones in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoa Lac (Hanoi) and Danang City, which are equipped with the necessary infrastructure to welcome semiconductor investors with highly preferential policies.

During US President Joe Biden's visit to Vietnam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's visit to the US, the two countries agreed to upgrade their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership and identified innovation and creativity, including the development of the semiconductor industry, as one of the strategic areas of cooperation.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's delegation held important discussions with the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) and several of the world's leading semiconductor companies.

During the meeting, John Neuffer, President of SIA, appreciated the role of Vietnam in the global semiconductor technology chain. The country has attracted the interest of many major technology companies and has made efforts in research, investment and training, recognizing the importance of investment in this field, he said.

"Vietnam's role in this supply chain is growing," he stressed.

Commenting on the development of Vietnam's semiconductor industry, the SIA President pointed out that the industry is facing a shortage of skilled workers. He said that Vietnam's target to train 50,000 engineers is very accurate, and the country needs to realize this target as soon as possible to seize the opportunity.

The high-level conference on the semiconductor industry in Vietnam was attended by major semiconductor companies and corporations from around the world, including Intel, Synopsys, Qualcomm, and Cadence.

"Vietnam has many advantages to become a global destination for the semiconductor industry, including abundant human resources, government support, and a stable political environment. What they lack is experience, and we are ready to share what we know about this industry through training programs and dedicated research and development centers," said Michael Shih, vice president of Cadence.

At the conference, Cadence announced a program to help 20 leading universities in Vietnam train semiconductor professionals.

Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung speaks at the event. Photo: Duc Manh