Vietnam 'sometimes' lacks electricity supply for semiconductor sector: gov’t

Vietnam’s electricity supply for the semiconductor sector is insufficient “in some locations sometimes,” the government admitted in a dispatch issued on Monday.

According to the document regarding a December meeting of the cabinet on developing the semiconductor sector, the power shortage is part of the lackluster infrastructure for training, research & development (R&D) and manufacturing activities in this field.

The government also pointed out other issues namely the shortage of high-quality workforce, security policies restricting international cooperation, and high capital demand.

It said it aims to boost the ties with major semiconductor businesses, such as Intel, Samsung, Amkor and Hana Micron to enhance Vietnam’s participation in the global supply chain.

The government also set a target of “harmonically” developing the semiconductor sector in line with the balanced ties with superpowers; focusing on developing designing, testing, and packaging centers; and striving to have semiconductor fabrication plants in the future.

Vietnam now hosts 174 foreign-invested projects in the semiconductor sector, with a total registered capital of nearly $11.6 billion, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said in December.

The country currently has no semiconductor fabrication plant, while several chip giants like Intel, Amkor Technology, and Hana Micron have operational assembly, packaging and testing (APT) plants here.

According to Vietnam's semiconductor development strategy until 2030, with a vision for 2050, Vietnam has set a target of having 10 APT factories by 2030 as the country seeks to deepen its engagement in the global supply chain.