Da Nang sets its sights on becoming Vietnam’s semiconductor hub

Da Nang City, located in central Vietnam, is taking significant steps to establish itself as a key player in the semiconductor industry, showcasing its potential, strengths, and investment opportunities at the 2024 Da Nang Semiconductor Day.

As part of the event, the Da Nang Semiconductor Investment Promotion Conference took place on Friday, bringing together hundreds of industry experts.

Susan Burns, U.S. Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, highlighted the global attention Da Nang is receiving due to its strategic location and skilled workforce. 

She emphasized the U.S.’s interest in enhancing the supply chain and deepening cooperation in Da Nang’s semiconductor sector. 

“The most critical factor is that Vietnam needs a world-class workforce,” Burns stated, adding that the U.S. is committed to helping Vietnam overcome challenges in the semiconductor industry and build a sustainable and innovative ecosystem. 

Trinh Khac Hue, CEO of Qorvo Vietnam, pointed out that Da Nang is an ideal location for developing the semiconductor industry. 

The company is currently exploring opportunities to collaborate with the city. 

Hue stressed the importance of developing a high-quality engineering workforce, which is essential for Da Nang to become a leading hub for semiconductor design in Vietnam and potentially on a global scale. 

Le Quang Dam, CEO of Marvell Vietnam, echoed this sentiment and called for more collaboration between businesses and universities to train personnel and share expertise in new technologies to enhance global competitiveness.

During discussions with business leaders, Nguyen Van Quang, Party Secretary of Da Nang, shared that the National Assembly recently passed Resolution 136, granting it special policies for the semiconductor industry and artificial intelligence. 

Da Nang is the first locality in Vietnam to receive such support.

These policies include personal income tax exemptions, training cost subsidies, incentives for attracting experts and scientists, as well as equipment procurement.

Quang expressed the city’s hope that these policies will attract investors to the coastal city. 

“In return, we expect investors to meet capital requirements, commit to long-term partnerships with the city, provide workforce training, and ensure technology transfer,” Quang said.

“To move quickly, we must move together, especially in this industry, where no country or locality can develop alone,” he added.

Bui Hoang Phuong, Deputy Minister of Information and Communications, urged Da Nang to swiftly develop specific resolutions, in line with Resolution 136, to support the growth of the semiconductor and artificial intelligence sectors by early 2025. 

The city is also tasked with executing the Da Nang Semiconductor and Artificial Intelligence Development Plan, which includes training at least 5,000 semiconductor engineers by 2030.

By Doan Nhan & Nguyen Thu – Tuoi Tre News – August 31, 2024