US committed to tech development, workforce training support for Vietnam: envoy

The U.S. is committed to helping Vietnam with technology development and workforce training to tap opportunities arising from the latest upgrade in bilateral ties, said ambassador Marc Knapper.

Addressing a business forum in Danang Friday, he said the U.S. pays great attention to education, supply chain and infrastructure, which are key issues outlined in the joint communique issued during President Biden’s visit to Hanoi in September.

The forum was organized by Danang chapters of AmCham and the Young Business Association.

Knapper said that manufacturing working groups have been set up in central Vietnam and other parts of the country to implement semiconductor-related agreements reached by leaders of both countries.

Danang, Quang Nam invite U.S. investment

Quang Nam Vice Chairman Ho Quang Buu expressed hope that the recent double upgrade in Vietnam-U.S. ties to a comprehensive strategic parnership will help attract high-quality FDI projects to the central province.

Although the U.S. market accounted for 56.2% of Quang Nam’s exports in 2022, U.S. investment in the locality remains modest with just seven projects worth $5.86 million, a miniscule amount compared to a total of $6.06 billion in accumulative FDI, he said.

The province will continue improving its investment environment, infrastructure and workforce training to meet demands of American investors, particularly in tech-related sectors, he added.

Quang Nam also seeks U.S. investments in tourism, healthcare, logistics and other sectors, Buu said.

Danang Vice Chairman Ho Ky Minh called for U.S. investment in a wide range of industries and sectors including information technology, high-tech manufacturing, automation, semiconductors, AI, supporting industries, healthcare, education and hospitality real estate.

Minh also pledged further improvements in the city’s business environment and the creation of ideal conditions for firms to do business.

Danang is home to 81 U.S.-invested projects worth a combined $487.85 million, including 19 in the IT industry worth nearly $64 million. Some of the leading American investors in the city are Coca-Cola, Keytronic and Kimberly-Clark.