ASML eyes supply chain expansion, R&D cooperation in Vietnam

Dutch firm ASML, a leading supplier to the world's semiconductor industry, is studying the possibility of expanding its supply chain in Vietnam and exploring cooperation in training and R&D, said a senior executive.

At a meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi on Thursday, ASML vice president Eduard Stiphout said the corporation is assessing options to establish a formal presence in Vietnam.

ASML provides chipmakers hardware, software and services to mass produce patterns on silicon through lithography.

ASML, a central player in the global semiconductor value chain, is also interested in working with Vietnam to set up a training and R&D center, Stiphout was quoted by the Vietnamese government's news portal as saying.

He added that the company highly values Vietnam’s development strategy based on science-technology, innovation and digital transformation, including its push to develop the semiconductor industry, and stands ready to become part of Vietnam’s semiconductor ecosystem.

ASML holds a near-monopoly in the market for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography technology, which is critical for manufacturing advanced chips used in artificial intelligence, 5G and high-performance computing.

With one of the highest market capitalizations in the semiconductor sector, annual revenues of around $30-35 billion, and more than 40,000 employees across 60 locations worldwide, ASML plays a pivotal role in shaping the development roadmap of many leading chipmakers.

In response, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said the Vietnamese government welcomes ASML’s interest, calling it evidence of global technology groups’ confidence in Vietnam’s investment environment and cooperation potential.

He said deeper engagement by ASML would further strengthen Vietnam-Netherlands relations, particularly in science-technology, innovation and digital transformation.

According to the prime minister, Vietnam is entering a strategically important phase of development, leveraging science-technology, innovation and digital transformation to achieve double-digit economic growth from 2026 and to become a developed country by 2045.

The country is continuing to refine institutions and policies related to science-technology, innovation and digital transformation, while investing in modern infrastructure, including advanced telecommunications and technology systems that meet the stringent requirements of the semiconductor industry, he said.

The government is also accelerating the development of digital and semiconductor-related human resources.

Vietnam has already formed a growing semiconductor ecosystem, hosting global players such as Samsung, Intel, Nvidia, VDL-ETG, Tecnotion and Coherent, alongside domestic technology firms including Viettel, FPT and VSAP Lab, which have potential for international cooperation, he noted.

Chinh urged ASML to consider setting up a representative office in Vietnam to strengthen direct engagement and demonstrate its long-term strategic commitment. He called on the company to support Vietnamese firms in digital infrastructure, semiconductor manufacturing, R&D, testing and technical services.

He asked ASML to accelerate plans to establish a semiconductor training and R&D center in Vietnam and help qualified Vietnamese companies integrate more deeply into ASML’s global supply chain, enhancing its resilience and diversification in Asia.

The prime minister encouraged ASML to expand training programs, expert exchanges, internships and scholarship support for Vietnam’s semiconductor sector.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accompanying and creating favorable conditions for foreign companies, including ASML, to invest and operate successfully in Vietnam over the long term.