Vietnam to open first semiconductor plant in 2026: Prime Minister

THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam plans to establish its first semiconductor manufacturing facility in 2026, a key step in the country’s strategy to achieve rapid and sustainable growth through science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh announced on November 6.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh made the statement during a meeting on November 6 with a visiting delegation from the Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) and executives from semiconductor companies who are also attending the SEMIEXPO Vietnam 2025.

The delegation included 32 industry representatives linked to 3,700 companies throughout the global semiconductor supply chain.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung, Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam Kees van Baar, Linda Tan, President of the Southeast Asia Semiconductor Association and leaders of relevant ministries and Vietnamese semiconductor firms also joined the meeting.

At the meeting, Prime Minister Chinh said Vietnam is promoting green growth, the digital, circular and creative economies. “The goal is to build technological autonomy and strengthen competitiveness in strategic sectors including semiconductors,” he said.

Vietnam has rolled out the Semiconductor Industry Development Strategy to 2030 with a vision to 2050, along with the Human Resources Development Program for the Semiconductor Industry, and identified semiconductors among 11 strategic technology priorities.

Chinh called on SEMI and global firms to deepen cooperation and trust Vietnam’s investment environment. He invited companies to propose policy mechanisms that bring mutual benefits and to help develop a complete semiconductor ecosystem, from research and design to manufacturing and workforce training.

He said the government will keep improving its regulatory framework to ensure transparency and competitiveness.

Infrastructure upgrades, stronger governance, workforce development and streamlined procedures, including a one-stop investment service and national investment portal, are underway.

"The government aims to develop value chains linking large corporations with small and medium-sized enterprises," said Chinh.

Chinh reiterated that in Vietnam the Party provides strategic direction, the State enables development, enterprises lead implementation and cooperation between domestic and international partners drives shared progress. "We will ensure stable policies and favorable conditions based on balanced interests and shared responsibility."

Ambassador Kees van Baar, Southeast Asia Semiconductor Association President Linda Tan and representatives of international firms welcomed Vietnam’s recent achievements and orientation toward science and technology. They expressed confidence in Vietnam’s semiconductor strategy.

They noted that Vietnam must address challenges to turn strategy into implementation.

These include continued institutional reform, simpler procedures, wider use of English, stronger support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and development of clean energy, IT infrastructure and synchronized growth across stages from research and testing to packaging and artificial intelligence.

Delegates expressed interest in expanding investment in Vietnam and proposed establishing a national semiconductor association to connect government agencies, enterprises, research institutions and training organizations.

The association would help shape policy, develop human resources, strengthen supply chains and enhance global connectivity, positioning Vietnam as a regional semiconductor hub.

The Global Semiconductor Alliance (SEMI), founded in 1970, represents over 1.5 million professionals through 3,000 member companies and has offices in North America, Europe, China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan (China) and Southeast Asia. SEMI promotes global cooperation, innovation and workforce development in the semiconductor industry.

The SEMIEXPO Vietnam 2025 is held on November 7–8 at the Vietnam Exposition Center (VEC), Hanoi, attracting about 5,000 participants, 300 international companies and 200 booths from leading semiconductor firms.

The event will serve as a platform for collaboration among global technology companies, research institutions, government agencies and Vietnamese enterprises, fostering new opportunities for partnership and industry growth.