US tech firms offer recommendations for Ho Chi Minh City's AI, semiconductor ecosystem

The discussions took place during a roundtable between Ho Chi Minh City officials and the U.S. business community, held as part of a working visit to the United States by a city delegation led by vice-chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Cong Vinh, according to the Investment & Trade Promotion Centre of Ho Chi Minh City (ITPC).

The city said it is shifting its investment strategy from simply attracting capital to building an innovation ecosystem and strategic technology clusters centered on AI, data centers, semiconductors, and R&D.

Several U.S. companies shared expansion plans and expressed interest in strengthening their presence in Vietnam, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City.

Saeed Amidi, founder and CEO of Plug and Play, said Vietnam has strong potential to develop an innovation ecosystem thanks to its talent pool, particularly graduates from Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology.

Plug and Play said it is studying the possibility of establishing a center in Vietnam focused on advanced manufacturing and semiconductors, modeled after its operation in Phoenix, Arizona, which hosts companies including TSMC, Intel, and Honeywell.

The company is also exploring the establishment of an AI Center of Excellence in Vietnam to support innovation and the development of strategic technology industries.

Chris Camacho, Axon's senior vice president for site selection strategy and global expansion, said Ho Chi Minh City offers not only competitive costs but also a large pool of highly skilled engineers.

Drawing on his experience developing Phoenix's technology ecosystem, Camacho said high-quality human resources are the key factor in attracting strategic industries such as AI, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing.

He also recommended that the city strengthen support mechanisms for foreign businesses and deepen cooperation with universities to meet talent and recruitment needs.

An Chen, Qualcomm's vice president of technology, said Vietnam has promising engineers and researchers, particularly in AI.

However, recruiting highly qualified specialists, especially those with doctoral degrees and advanced research capabilities, remains a challenge for global technology companies.

She suggested that Vietnam introduce policies to attract overseas Vietnamese experts and scientists to return home, while simplifying work permit procedures and regulations for foreign specialists to facilitate investment and research activities.

Ho Chi Minh City vice-chairman Nguyen Cong Vinh said the city welcomed recommendations from the U.S. technology community on technical standards for data centers, AI, semiconductors, green energy infrastructure, cooling solutions, and investment cooperation models as it continues developing the Strategic Technology Development Center.

He reaffirmed that Ho Chi Minh City would continue implementing special mechanisms and a one-stop administrative model, while listening to investors' concerns and addressing obstacles promptly.

He also expressed hope that U.S. companies would not only invest in the city but also help build its technology and innovation ecosystem.