Vietnam gov't considers approving SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet services
The Ministry of Science and Technology has proposed the Vietnamese Government to approve SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet services in Vietnam.
A representative from the ministry disclosed the information at a meeting on Tuesday between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, a delegation of the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), and leaders of about 60 major U.S. companies on working visits to Vietnam.
"A resolution recently passed by the National Assembly allows Starlink to invest in Vietnam under the model of a 100% foreign-owned company, and have full ownership of legal entities established in Vietnam," the official was quoted as saying by the Vietnamese government's news portal.
"Regarding the licensing of Starlink satellite internet services, the Ministry of Science and Technology has reported to the Government for consideration and approval," the official added.
Vietnam’s Party General Secretary and State President To Lam (right) and senior vice president for global business and government affairs of SpaceX Tim Hughes shake hands at a meeting in New York, September 25, 2024. Photo courtesy of Vietnam News Agency.
The Ministry of Science and Technology is amending two important laws, the Law on Science & Technology and the Law on Digital Transformation, and simultaneously adjusting 14 other related laws.
"Our ministry hopes to receive cooperation and policy advice from U.S. businesses to promote the development of science and technology and digital transformation in Vietnam," the official said.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on March 1 directed Vietnamese authorities to urgently carry out pilot licensing for SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet services. Chinh made the request at a forum in Hanoi with the participation of 38 leading American companies.
Previously, in September last year, Tim Hughes, senior vice president for global business and government affairs at SpaceX, had met Prime Minister Chinh in Hanoi, where he'd affirmed that his company was ready to invest and provide its Starlink satellite internet services in the country.
SpaceX, a provider of spacecraft, satellite launch services, and satellite communications, plans to invest up to $1.5 billion in Vietnam, according to the Vietnamese government's news portal.
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