Ho Chi Minh City seeks stronger US investment in AI, high-tech sectors

Nguyen Van Duoc, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, made the remarks during a meeting with Kelly Coldiron, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Asia and Acting Executive Director of SelectUSA, on Tuesday afternoon.

SelectUSA is a U.S. government program that helps international businesses explore investment opportunities and expand their operations in the United States.

Ho Chi Minh City welcomes US investment in strategic sectors

At the meeting, Duoc reaffirmed the city's commitment to strengthening ties with U.S. localities and businesses, particularly in sectors aligned with its long-term development priorities.

He highlighted the growing Vietnam-U.S. comprehensive strategic partnership, noting that the U.S. remains one of Vietnam's leading partners in trade, investment, science, and technology.

Ho Chi Minh City has established sister-city relationships with San Francisco and New York and maintains cooperation with several major U.S. corporations.

Following its recent administrative merger, the city is seeking to attract long-term investment in science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, energy transition, biotechnology, and smart healthcare.

Duoc said local authorities are working to improve transparency and create a favorable business environment for foreign investors, including American companies.

US eyes deeper cooperation in AI and digital economy

Coldiron described Ho Chi Minh City as a promising destination for expanded U.S. business cooperation, particularly in the digital and green economies, superintelligence (SI), high technology, innovation, and smart cities.

The U.S. side used the term "superintelligence" in reference to AI.

She encouraged city authorities to continue supporting American businesses seeking to expand their investments and operations.

Coldiron said her delegation also aimed to address business concerns and identify new opportunities for economic and technological partnerships.

She highlighted SelectUSA's role in facilitating investment in the U.S. and expressed her willingness to help Ho Chi Minh City businesses connect with potential American partners and explore opportunities in the U.S. market.

Following the meeting, city officials held discussions with U.S. Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Melissa A. Brown and representatives of American companies operating in Vietnam, including Dell Technologies, Honeywell Technologies, Microsoft, Motorola Solutions, NVIDIA, OneMedic, Starlink, and Trellix.