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The Steering Committee's second meeting outlined tasks to boost the semiconductor industry's development in the coming period. Photo: VGP

Promising results alongside ongoing challenges

Regarding achievements, reports and remarks at the meeting indicated that tasks mandated by the Government and the Prime Minister concerning semiconductor industry development have been implemented and completed on schedule by ministries, sectors, and localities.

Currently, approximately 7,000 engineers are employed by microchip design firms, while around 6,000 engineers and 10,000 technicians work in microchip packaging, testing, and semiconductor equipment manufacturing. Additionally, a semiconductor industry innovation network has been established, bringing together over 100 Vietnamese experts from around the world.

In terms of workforce training and development, a standard curriculum for semiconductor microchips has been issued; 166 higher education institutions offer semiconductor-related majors; and over 6,300 university students are currently enrolled in semiconductor-specific programs.

Regarding infrastructure development, CT Group has commenced the expansion of a Vietnamese-owned and operated chip factory, aiming for an annual production capacity of 100 million chips by 2027.

R&D ecosystems and international-standard cleanroom facilities are being built and expanded in major cities—such as SHTP Labs at the Saigon Hi-Tech Park (investment of VND 300 billion) and a laboratory at Vietnam National University, Hanoi (investment of USD 5 million).

Regarding FDI attraction and domestic enterprise development, Vietnam currently hosts approximately 170 FDI projects in the semiconductor and high-tech sectors, with a total registered capital of nearly USD 11.6 billion. Notable large-scale projects include those by Intel, Amkor, and Hana Micron. However, the meeting also acknowledged that developing the semiconductor sector faces significant difficulties and challenges; these include the massive capital investment required, as well as the fact that specific incentive mechanisms and policies to support investment have only recently been issued and require time to take effect.

Infrastructure remains limited, and the high-quality workforce available to the semiconductor industry does not yet meet requirements.

By 2027, specific semiconductor chips must be designed, manufactured, and tested.

Emphasizing the role of the semiconductor industry, the Prime Minister concluded that this sector is a crucial link in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, particularly regarding the development of artificial intelligence. Vietnam cannot afford to sit on the sidelines if it wishes to build an independent and self-reliant economy.

Alongside the achievements, the Prime Minister highlighted limitations and shortcomings that require collective effort to address, such as difficulties in mobilizing capital, institutional bottlenecks, slow progress, a lack of significant breakthroughs, and limited technology transfer.

Regarding future development, the Prime Minister emphasized the goal of designing, manufacturing, and testing essential semiconductor chips no later than 2027.

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The Prime Minister emphasized the goal of designing, manufacturing, and testing essential semiconductor chips no later than 2027. Photo: VGP

Outlining key tasks and solutions, the Prime Minister affirmed the need to progress from low to high, small to large, and simple to complex, while simultaneously accelerating, achieving breakthroughs, keeping pace with global trends, and striving to surpass them.

Furthermore, ministries, localities, agencies, and enterprises must closely follow and implement the resolutions, strategies, decisions, and directives issued by the Party, the National Assembly, the Government, and the Prime Minister concerning semiconductor industry development and workforce training. "To develop the semiconductor industry, the entire nation must act as a unified force; the march toward our goal must be lightning-fast and bold; our actions must be decisive, rapid, and guaranteed to succeed; and the results must be sustainable and enduring," the Prime Minister emphasized.

Submission to the Government for the issuance of a Decision on credit support for the semiconductor workforce.

Regarding specific tasks, the Prime Minister directed the Steering Committee to closely monitor assignments and step up supervision, inspection, and follow-up efforts.

In particular, the Ministry of Finance is to focus on attracting foreign investment into the semiconductor sector, prioritizing projects involving advanced, new, high, and clean technologies.

In 2025, a Decision must be submitted to the Prime Minister regarding credit support for pupils, students, master's candidates, and doctoral researchers pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

The Prime Minister has directed the Ministry of Industry and Trade to urgently propose amendments to regulations on direct power purchase agreements and to ensure an adequate supply of clean energy. Photo: VGP

The Ministry of Science and Technology is to review and urge ministries and sectors to implement tasks and solutions that align with the established goals of the Strategy for the Development of Vietnam's Semiconductor Industry by 2030, with a vision toward 2050.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the semiconductor sector and mobilize international resources to support development and workforce training for the industry.

The Ministry of Education and Training is to direct the promotion of collaboration models involving the state, educational institutions, and enterprises to ensure effective and high-quality workforce training for the semiconductor industry.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade is to urgently propose amendments to regulations on direct power purchase agreements and ensure an adequate supply of clean energy.

Additionally, it is to lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to urge the U.S. side to soon remove Vietnam from its strategic export control list; and to urgently submit the Strategy for the Development of Vietnam's Logistics Services (2025–2035, with a vision to 2050) to the Prime Minister for consideration and promulgation.

The Ministry of Construction is to devise solutions ensuring transport infrastructure for transportation, delivery, and logistics services; and to research and issue a plan to promote the application of semiconductor chip technology in transport infrastructure, smart transport, and smart urban areas.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is to research and propose additions to the legal framework regarding the list of strategic minerals serving the semiconductor industry, ensuring a proactive supply of raw materials and reducing external dependence. It is also to research and propose special licensing mechanisms for the extraction and deep processing of mineral deposits serving the semiconductor industry.