Intel’s 20 years in Vietnam: $1.5 bln invested, 4 bln chips produced

U.S. chip maker Intel has invested over $1.5 billion in its nearly 20 years in Vietnam and exported more than 4 billion products, contributing over $100 billion to Vietnam’s export revenue.

The information was revealed at a meeting between Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh People’s Committee Nguyen Van Duoc and Sarah Kemp, vice president of international government affairs at Intel, on Tuesday.

Intel reaffirms its strong commitment to expanding investment in Vietnam, especially in high-tech industries and semiconductor manufacturing, Kemp said.

In response, Duoc expressed his appreciation for Intel’s decision to establish its Vietnam operations at the Saigon Hi-Tech Park nearly two decades ago and praised the company’s substantial contributions to the city's tech ecosystem and overall economic development.

Since 2010, Intel Vietnam has recorded a cumulative export value exceeding $96 billion, accounting for around 60% of total exports from the Saigon Hi-Tech Park and nearly 25% of HCMC's total exports, the city leader cited.

Duoc noted that HCMC wants Intel to further expand its investments, particularly in high-tech workforce training, artificial intelligence (AI), and semiconductor manufacturing.

He also expressed his hope that Intel will replicate the success of its Vietnam operations and help attract additional high-tech investors to the southern metropolis.

During the meeting, both parties agreed to collaborate on implementing an AI-focused workforce development program.

Intel’s AI workforce training program in HCMC currently focuses on government officials, public sector employees, recent graduates, and working professionals who seek practical knowledge and skills in AI applications.

In parallel, Intel Vietnam continues to integrate the latest technologies developed by the corporation into its products. Notably, over the past three months, its facility has begun producing Intel’s most advanced 18A semiconductor chips, marking a significant step forward in bringing next-generation technology to Vietnam and enhancing the country's tech talent capabilities.

Since its launch, Intel’s facility in Vietnam has trained approximately 8,000 to 10,000 engineers and technicians. The company currently works with 600 local partners and is actively expanding its partner network.

According to Duoc, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has signed Decision No. 1017/QĐ-TTg approving the “Program for the Development of Human Resources for the Semiconductor Industry to 2030, with a Vision to 2050.”

The program aims to train at least 50,000 professionals with university-level qualifications or higher to serve the semiconductor industry.

Achieving this target will require more than just the efforts of universities and government agencies. It will also need active participation and collaboration from businesses, local authorities, international organizations, and corporations, particularly leading global players like Intel, he said.

Intel is a leading global semiconductor manufacturer with total assets of $192.2 billion as of March 31, 2025.