During a meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on 15/1, Eduard Stiphout, Vice President of Netherlands-based ASML Group, announced the company is exploring opportunities to expand its supply chain in Vietnam. The group also seeks to collaborate on establishing a training, research, and development center, setting up an official presence, and supplying equipment to potential customers in Vietnam.

"ASML values Vietnam's development strategy, which is based on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, including the semiconductor sector," Stiphout said. He added that ASML is ready to become part of Vietnam's semiconductor industry.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh receives leaders of ASML, the world's leading semiconductor group, on 15/1. Photo: VGP

ASML stands as a global leader in semiconductors, holding a unique market position due to its extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography technology. This core technology is crucial for producing advanced chip generations that serve artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, and high-performance computing.

The Dutch group boasts one of the highest market capitalizations in the semiconductor industry, with revenues consistently around 30-35 billion USD. It employs 40,000 people across 60 facilities worldwide. ASML acts as a central link in the semiconductor value chain, directly influencing the development roadmap of many other leading corporations.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated that the government appreciates ASML's interest. He views this as evidence of leading global technology corporations' confidence in Vietnam's cooperation potential and investment environment. This collaboration will contribute to strengthening effective and substantive Vietnam-Netherlands relations, particularly in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

Vietnam is undergoing a strategic transformation to achieve double-digit growth and become a developed nation by 2045, according to the Prime Minister. The government is improving institutions and policies related to developing science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Concurrently, infrastructure systems, including technology and telecommunications, are being developed to be synchronous and modern, meeting the highest standards of the semiconductor industry.

Vietnam has formed a semiconductor ecosystem, attracting leading global businesses such as: Samsung, Intel, Nvidia, VDL-ETG, Tecnotion, and Coherent. Many Vietnamese technology companies, including Viettel, FPT, and VSAP Lab, also have potential for cooperation with foreign partners.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged ASML to accelerate the establishment of a semiconductor research and development (R&D) center in Vietnam. He also requested support for connecting domestic businesses more deeply into ASML's global supply chain.

The Prime Minister also expressed a desire for ASML to consider establishing a representative office. This would support local businesses in developing digital infrastructure, production, research-testing, and technical services within the semiconductor sector. He further proposed that ASML implement human resource training programs, expert exchanges, internships, and scholarship support for Vietnam in the semiconductor field.

The Prime Minister affirmed that the government will accompany and create favorable conditions for foreign businesses, including ASML, to invest and operate stably, long-term, and effectively in Vietnam.

Phuong Dung