HCMC – Cisco Systems, a U.S.-based tech giant, has expressed interest in supporting Vietnam’s efforts to develop its technology infrastructure and train a high-skilled workforce, particularly in the fields of semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI).
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on June 25 had separate meetings with leaders of multinational corporations and investment funds to promote cooperation in the field of technology on the occasion of attending the 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2025 of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in China.
At a meeting with Dave West, president for Cisco Asia Pacific, Japan, and Greater China (APJC), Chinh called on the tech giant to continue exploring and expanding its investment cooperation in Vietnam.
The prime minister also urged Cisco to serve as a bridge, encouraging more U.S. businesses and Cisco’s partners to invest in Vietnam, particularly in workforce training, especially in high-tech sectors and AI.
He also proposed that Cisco Systems work with Vietnamese ministries and companies, such as the Ministry of Science and Technology and tech corporations, like Viettel and CMC, to implement concrete programs and projects.
West noted that Cisco Systems began manufacturing equipment in Vietnam in 2022. Today, Vietnam accounts for about 30% of Cisco’s total global production. Over the past years, the company has supported the training and upskilling of around 100,000 tech professionals in the country.
Cisco Systems expressed its interest in contributing to the development of technology infrastructure and workforce training in Vietnam, especially in the areas of semiconductors and AI, as well as in deploying AI development and application models and enhancing cybersecurity.
Later the same day, Chinh met with Tan Yinglan, founding managing partner at Insignia Ventures Partners.
Tan Yinglan noted that Insignia Ventures Partners has established an office in HCMC and has invested in several Vietnamese tech startups, including Logivan, Edmicro, Waves, Finhay, and Propzy. The fund expressed its desire to play a greater role in supporting the startup and innovation ecosystem in Vietnam.
Brand Cheng, chairman and CEO of Foxconn Industrial Internet (FII), said the company is ready to cooperate with Vietnam in training a high-tech workforce and expanding collaboration in areas such as AI data centers, green manufacturing, and sustainable development.
He also expressed hope that Vietnam would prioritize granting high-tech enterprise certification to companies under the Foxconn Group.
