Hanoi – In a clear signal that Vietnam is positioning itself as a future technology hub, top officials met with executives from U.S. chip designer Qualcomm and South Korean conglomerate Samsung Electronics on Thursday. Both leaders were asked to expand their investments in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, robotics, 5G/6G, data centers and next‑generation connectivity.
President To Lam’s appeal to Qualcomm
Communist Party General Secretary and President To Lam invited Qualcomm Chief Executive Cristiano Amon to increase the company’s footprint in Vietnam. Lam said the nation is shifting toward a growth model driven by science, technology, innovation, digital transformation and artificial intelligence. He welcomed deeper investment to help Vietnam become a regional innovation hub.
Amon responded that Qualcomm aims to develop its Vietnam operations into the company’s third‑largest AI research and development hub worldwide. The firm already runs an R&D centre in Hanoi and collaborates with local firms such as Viettel and VinSmart.
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung’s request to Samsung
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung addressed Samsung Electronics CEO Roh Tae‑moon, emphasizing the importance of Samsung’s continued partnership in strengthening Vietnam’s technological capabilities and industrial base. Hung praised Samsung’s contribution to Vietnam’s industrial development and exports, noting that the country is one of Samsung’s most important manufacturing hubs.
According to the government statement, Samsung’s mobile phone manufacturing exports from Vietnam reached $500 billion by the end of June, and the company has invested $24 billion in the country to date. Roh said Samsung plans further investment and training, and is working with the Vietnamese government to enable local firms to participate more deeply in its global supply chain.
Why the push matters
Vietnam’s leadership sees advanced technology investment as essential to moving beyond low‑cost manufacturing toward higher‑value, knowledge‑based industries. By attracting more AI and semiconductor work, the country hopes to create well‑paid jobs, foster homegrown innovation and integrate more fully into global value chains.
For Qualcomm, expanding its AI R&D hub in Hanoi aligns with the company’s broader strategy to diversify research locations and tap emerging talent pools. For Samsung, deeper engagement supports its long‑term manufacturing roadmap and helps the firm meet growing demand for advanced electronics while diversifying production away from any single region.
Looking ahead
Both companies have indicated willingness to explore additional projects, but concrete investment figures and timelines were not disclosed. Observers will watch how quickly Vietnam can translate these high‑level discussions into tangible factories, labs and training programs that benefit local workers and the broader economy.
The outreach underscores a broader trend of Southeast Asian nations courting leading tech firms to accelerate their digital transformation. If successful, Vietnam could join the ranks of regional powerhouses that host major AI and semiconductor ecosystems.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
