Vietnam, RoK forge ahead in semiconductor cooperation

The Korea Trade and Investment Promotion Agency in Hanoi (KOTRA Hanoi), part of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea (RoK) in Vietnam, held a conference on Vietnam-RoK cooperation in the semiconductor industry on August 6.

Speaking at the event, RoK Ambassador to Vietnam Choi Young Sam believed that the event would not only mark a milestone in traditional manufacturing sectors but also offer detailed solutions to advancing bilateral cooperation in the hi-tech industry.

The RoK Embassy in Vietnam, KOTRA, and all Korean agencies and organisations will make continuous efforts to drive semiconductor cooperation between the two countries, he said.

Vo Xuan Hoai, Deputy Director of the National Innovation Centre under the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), said there are over 40 chip design companies and nearly 15 others involved in packaging, testing, and manufacturing semiconductor-related equipment in Vietnam. Many of them are from the RoK, including Samsung, Hana Micron, and Amkor Technology.

To create an environment conducive for the Vietnamese semiconductor industry, the Vietnamese Government has demonstrated significant political commitment to advancing this high-tech sector.

In relevant resolutions from the Party, National Assembly and Government, the semiconductor industry is considered a key area for future socio-economic development. The PM also established a National Committee to oversee the development of the semiconductor industry, with he himself serving as the Chairman.

Hoai noted that the MPI has submitted a national strategy on semiconductor industry development, and a scheme on human resources development for the industry to the PM.

In the coming time, the MPI will submit a draft decree to the Government to establish special mechanisms for the NIC, with specific provisions for semiconductor companies in the NIC, he added.

According to experts, as many countries are competing to become global semiconductor manufacturing hubs, Vietnam stands to benefit from this trend if it focuses its investments strategically in the semiconductor industry. They advised Vietnam to engage in areas such as microchip design, semiconductors for smart vehicles, mid-range technology chips, and semiconductor packaging./.