Vietnam offers new opportunities to South Korean tech giants

Vietnam's National Innovation Center (NIC), in coordination with the Vietnamese Embassy in South Korea and the Semiconductor Industry Association (SEMI), organised the Vietnam Investment Forum in Seoul on February 20, as part of the SEMICON Korea 2025 Exhibition.

This is the first time Vietnam's semiconductor forum has been held in South Korea, with the aim of expanding investment and training cooperation opportunities between the two countries, thereby building a diverse and complete semiconductor ecosystem in Vietnam.

The comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries means Vietnam is emerging as an attractive destination for semiconductor investment, especially in design, personnel, and post-audit.

The event attracted delegates from corporate and academic entities such as ARM, SK, Samsung, Hana Micron and Seoul National University.

Leading corporations from Vietnam in the high-tech industry such as Sovico, FPT Semiconductor, Viettel Semiconductor, CT Semiconductor, Viglacera, DEEP C, as well as prestigious universities such as Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Vietnam-Germany University, and Hoa Lac High-Tech Park Management Board also joined the event.

Vu Ho, Vietnamese Ambassador to South Korea, said, "Over the past few years, the relationship between our two nations has expanded and developed in all fields, particularly in semiconductors and AI, two industries Vietnam needs to focus on for the future."

According to Vo Xuan Hoai, deputy director of the NIC, "2024 marked a turning point for Vietnam to become a more profound link in the global semiconductor supply chain."

Last year saw the issue of Resolution No.57-NQ/TW, on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation, while the government established the Investment Support Fund.

"This demonstrates Vietnam's abiding commitment to building a semiconductor ecosystem and creating a favourable legal environment for global businesses," said Hoai.

With advantages such as a high-quality workforce and attractive support policies, Vietnam has become an ideal destination for large technology corporations to expand production and investment.

"While the semiconductor and high-tech industry reshapes the global supply chain, this is the right time for tech giants to choose Vietnam as a partner," Hoai added.

The NIC is expected to continue coordinating with partners to implement numerous investment promotion events in 2025.

Lee Dong-Chul, CEO of Hana Micron Group, greatly appreciates the positive changes he has seen in Vietnam's investment environment.

"Vietnam is now a dynamic investment environment with strong government support, developed infrastructure and high-quality workers at reasonable costs, making it an attractive destination for high-tech enterprises," said Dong-Chul.

The latest draft of the Law on Digital Technology Industry has been revised and will likely create a competitive advantage for the semiconductor industry, if adopted.

The Vietnamese government has announced financial support of up to 50 per cent for major initiatives in semiconductor manufacturing and AI.

Thanks to favourable government policies, Vietnam is emerging as an attractive destination for semiconductor manufacturers. Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung spoke with VIR’s Nguyen Huong about this vision.