Cooperation to help Vietnam leap ahead in semiconductor: Prime Minister

Vietnam’s development of artificial intelligence, especially based on domestic data, heavily depends on the advancement of the semiconductor industry, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

As head of the National Steering Committee for the Development of the Semiconductor Industry, Prime Minister Chinh delivered remarks at the committee’s second session, held in Hanoi on Monday.

The session aimed to review the implementation of conclusions made during the first session and outline key tasks to accelerate the development of the industry going forward.

In his opening address, Chinh emphasized that the Fourth Industrial Revolution is advancing rapidly, with the semiconductor, AI, cloud computing, and Internet of Things (IoT) sectors playing crucial roles in national development - including in Vietnam.

He acknowledged that while the global semiconductor industry has grown significantly in recent years, it remains highly complex and competitive. Each country has pursued its own strategy for development, underscoring the sector’s growing importance and strategic significance worldwide.

Vietnam, the cabinet leader said, is proactively implementing a range of resolutions, programs, and plans to promote the semiconductor industry. In particular, the Politburo's Resolution No. 57 focuses on strengthening science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

Other important frameworks include resolutions by the National Assembly and the Government, such as the strategy for the development of Vietnam’s semiconductor industry to 2030, with a vision to 2050, and the program for human resource development in the semiconductor industry to 2030, with a vision to 2050.

Human resource development: a strategic focus

The Prime Minister acknowledged that while these initiatives have yielded early results, progress remains modest and the industry still faces significant challenges.

He emphasized that to build an independent and self-reliant economy that is also deeply and effectively integrated into the global economy, Vietnam must boost labor productivity and make the most of its resources, especially human capital.

He reaffirmed that AI development in Vietnam, particularly based on local data, depends largely on the country’s ability to develop its semiconductor industry.

The Prime Minister called on delegates to assess achievements and remaining challenges, identify their root causes, and draw lessons to move forward. Key focus areas include human resource training, infrastructure development, investment attraction, resource mobilization, and development of a robust semiconductor ecosystem.

He also urged stakeholders to propose effective cooperation models between the State, academic institutions, and businesses to help Vietnam take a strategic shortcut, leapfrogging to achieve breakthroughs in the semiconductor sector.

While acknowledging limited resources and experience, the Prime Minister described the development of the semiconductor industry as a long-term journey. He urged delegates to propose concrete tasks and leadership strategies to guide the process.

The government, he said, must mobilize broad participation from all stakeholders, harnessing Vietnamese talent to engage in all phases of the semiconductor value chain - from design and manufacturing to assembly and packaging - while actively integrating into the global semiconductor supply chain.

During the session, the prime minister asked delegates to clearly identify current bottlenecks, determine the driving forces that must be enhanced, and suggest coordinated solutions to build national synergy for industry development.

He stressed that developing the semiconductor industry is both an urgent short-term goal and a long-term strategic mission. It requires deep, forward-thinking vision; bold, decisive action; and unwavering commitment. Tasks must be clearly assigned, with clearly defined responsibilities, timelines, expected outcomes, and authority.

Finally, the prime minister called on leaders from ministries, provinces, businesses, and the expert community to engage in deep discussions and offer impactful solutions to foster industry growth. He emphasized that progress in this area will not only support Vietnam’s economic growth target of 8.3-8.5% this year but also lay the foundation for achieving double-digit growth in the years to come.