Vietnamese President To Lam and Prime Minister Le Minh Hung have urged Qualcomm and Samsung Electronics to expand their investments in AI, semiconductors, robotics, and next-generation technologies to help the country accelerate its technological upgrade and digital transformation.
- Vietnam pushes for more AI, semiconductor, and 5G/6G investments.
- Qualcomm plans to grow its Vietnam R&D into a global AI hub.
- Samsung to increase investment and foster local supply chain integration.
What happened
Vietnam’s Communist Party General Secretary and President To Lam met with Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon, urging the company to scale up investments in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, robotics, 5G/6G, data centers, and other advanced connectivity technologies. This appeal aligns with Vietnam’s plan to transform its economic growth model to one led by science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.
On the same day, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung also called on Samsung Electronics CEO Roh Tae-moon to maintain and enhance Samsung’s crucial role as a manufacturing and technology partner. Samsung, which has invested $24 billion in Vietnam and contributed $500 billion in mobile phone exports since starting production, plans to increase its investments and training initiatives, while promoting deeper involvement of local firms in its global supply chain.
Why it matters
Vietnam’s push to attract greater investment from these global technology leaders signals its ambition to emerge as a regional innovation hub. By focusing on areas such as AI and semiconductors, Vietnam aims to upgrade its industrial base and accelerate digital transformation, opening up new opportunities for economic growth and technological self-reliance.
For Qualcomm and Samsung, expanding in Vietnam not only deepens their engagement in a rapidly developing market but also helps diversify their manufacturing and R&D footprint. Qualcomm’s plan to make Vietnam its third-largest AI research center globally positions the country as a key player in advanced tech innovation, while Samsung’s increased local partnerships strengthen its supply chain resilience and regional competitiveness.
What to watch next
Stakeholders should monitor the specific investment commitments by Qualcomm and Samsung regarding AI and semiconductor R&D expansions in Vietnam, including potential new facilities or collaborative innovation projects with local companies like Viettel and VinSmart.
It will also be important to observe how Vietnam’s government facilitates these high-tech investments through policy incentives, infrastructure development, and training programs that enhance local talent and firm participation in global value chains. The ongoing collaboration could serve as a blueprint for other tech giants considering expansion in Southeast Asia.