Amid growing global demand, fragile supply chains and intensifying geopolitical conflicts, Việt Nam is rapidly emerging as one of the most promising players in the global semiconductor landscape, a seminar heard in HCM City on July 2.

 

Speaking at “Việt Nam’s Semiconductor Industry – Investment, Development & Collaboration Opportunities”, organised as part of the MTA Việt Nam 2025, Daniël Stork, consul general of the Netherlands in HCM City, emphasised the increasing strategic importance of semiconductors.

 

“Semiconductors are the backbone of our modern world. But recent events – especially the pandemic and growing geopolitical tensions – have exposed the fragility of global supply chains.

 

“These disruptions have elevated semiconductors from a niche industrial concern to a matter of economic security and strategic autonomy.”

 

The global semiconductor market surpassed US$600 billion in 2024 and is expected to exceed $1 trillion by 2030.

 

But this growth is unevenly distributed.

 

Stork said Việt Nam stands out as one of the most promising emerging players in the global semiconductor ecosystem.

 

It offers a blend of political and economic stability, a strategic geographical location, a young and tech-savvy workforce, a well-established electronics manufacturing base, and strong global integration, he said.

 

“Leading multinational companies like Amkor, Intel and Samsung already have significant operations here in packaging, testing and assembly. The launch of Việt Nam’s National Semiconductor Development Strategy in 2024 shows a clear ambition to move further up the value chain into IC (integrated circuit) design, advanced materials and fabrication.”

 

Nguyễn Quế An, manager in deals advisory-transformation practices at PwC Tax and Advisory (Vietnam) Co Ltd, said the Vietnamese semiconductor industry is projected to grow at an annual rate of 9 per cent and reach $31.39 billion by 2029.

 

“Việt Nam’s rise is being fuelled by strong government support, foreign investment and global partnerships.”

 

The country offers an attractive tax regime for semiconductor investors, including corporate income tax breaks starting from October 2025, import duty exemptions on goods used in scientific, technological, innovative and digital projects, and VAT waivers for selected R&D and high-tech manufacturing activities.

 

Investors in high-tech zones also benefit from land-use privileges, such as extended leases of up to 70 years, reduced rental fees and priority access to advanced utilities and logistics infrastructure.

 

Việt Nam has established dedicated zones to support semiconductor manufacturing with state-of-the-art infrastructure and tailored support services. These include Saigon Hi-Tech Park in HCM City, Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park in Hà Nội, and Danang Hi-Tech Park in Đà Nẵng.

 

Overcoming Bottlenecks

 

Speakers also highlighted key challenges facing Việt Nam’s semiconductor sector.

 

Michael Lee, director of the global procurement division at Foxconn Technology Group, said: “Việt Nam’s semiconductor industry is transitioning from a focus on geographical advantage to establishing a technological foothold. However, it faces four major bottlenecks: power supply, talent, technology, and supply chain. Building an integrated innovation ecosystem that connects policy, industry, and talent is key to overcoming these challenges.”

 

 

A chip testing and manufacutring plant at the Saigon Hi Tech Park in HCM City. — Photo courtesy of vneconomy.vn

 

Stork offered recommendations to support Việt Nam’s semiconductor ambitions such as investing in talent and ecosystems, forming trusted international partnerships, focusing on strategic niches, and supporting SMEs and auxiliary sectors.

 

“The foundation of any competitive semiconductor industry lies not only in manufacturing facilities but also in people. Engineers, researchers, and entrepreneurs are the long-term drivers of innovation. Building a skilled workforce and fostering research and startup ecosystems is essential.

 

“No country can thrive alone in this sector. By cultivating trusted international partnerships, Việt Nam can accelerate capability development, reduce risks, and gain access to cutting-edge expertise.

 

“Rather than trying to cover the entire semiconductor value chain, Việt Nam can position itself as a leader in selected areas such as advanced testing, chip design or specialized packaging, where it can develop world-class expertise.”

 

Stork also highlighted the importance of SMEs and auxiliary sectors.

 

“The semiconductor value chain is much broader than a few global giants. It requires high-level expertise in everything from metal processing and mechatronics to optics and engineering services.

 

“About 90 per cent of the value of a chipmaking machine produced in the Netherlands comes from its supplier network. Việt Nam should not overlook these auxiliary markets.”

 

Dutch companies like BESI, VDL ETG, Tecnotion, NXP and Sioux are expanding their presence in Việt Nam, reinforcing the country’s growing role in the global semiconductor value chain.

 

Stork concluded by saying: “The Netherlands is ready to be a strategic enabler of Việt Nam’s semiconductor aspirations through knowledge transfer, investment and ecosystem-building.”

 

Lee echoed his optimism, saying Việt Nam is on track to become a major semiconductor exporter by 2030, thanks to rapid progress in mid- to low-end packaging and growing capabilities in specialty chip design.

 

These developments are positioning the country to play a more influential role in Southeast Asia’s semiconductor supply chain and potentially expand its global footprint. — BIZHUB/VNS