Intel commits to long-term investment in Vietnam: representative

Intel appreciates the continued support of the Vietnamese government and is committed to long-term investments in the country, Intel Vietnam representative Phung Viet Thang said at the Vietnam Business Forum (VBF) on Tuesday.

Thang's statement came after internatioal media reported last year that Intel had called off its planned investment expansion in Vietnam,

Intel has been working in Vietnam for 17 years and will continue investing in the country, Thang said. The recent upgrade of Vietnam-U.S. ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership would facilitate further cooperation between the two countries, especially in the semiconductor sector. The upgrade would also attract other American companies to Vietnam, Thang affirmed.

Operating beyond semiconductors and computing, Intel is striving to accompany the Vietnamese government in sustainable development and green growth, including its net zero 2050 commitment and the increased use of renewable energy by 2030.

Intel has been working with the Ministry of Information and Communications regarding Vietnam's semiconductor development initiative, and with the Ministry of Planning and Investment on its semiconductor workforce development plan. Intel is looking forward to cooperating with ministries on the detailed deployments of these plans, he emphasized.

During the forum, Thang also delivered Intel's suggestions to the government. First, for semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) development following Vietnam's ambitious plans, Intel is seeking cooperation with partners inside and outside the country, including multi-national corporations.

Second, regarding workforce, Intel has been cooperating with Vietnam's Ministry of Education and Training and Danang. To speed up progress, Vietnam should seek ways to utilize the U.S.'s CHIPS and Science Act, he added.

Third, for infrastructure, Vietnam should focus more on building and deploying new-generation data centers and 5G technology to facilitate AI growth in the country.

Fourth, on the global minimum tax (GMT), Intel wants to work with authorities regarding detailed implementation as Intel understands the Vietnamese government is committed to utilizing the initiative.