HCMC — Vietnam is seeking to expand cooperation with leading U.S. corporations in energy, defense, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien said during meetings with executives from Excelerate Energy, Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, and Google.
The meetings on May 20 were part of the second round of technical negotiations for a Vietnam-U.S. reciprocal trade agreement, which were held in Washington from May 19 to 22, reported the Vietnam News Agency.
At talks with Excelerate Energy, Dien said Vietnam encourages the company to invest in LNG infrastructure and supply. Under the National Power Development Plan VIII, Vietnam will develop 14 gas-fired power plants to ensure energy security. LNG import duties have recently been reduced from 5% to 2%.
Excelerate proposed cooperation in infrastructure investment, stable LNG supply, and forming a joint venture to help Vietnam become a regional LNG hub. The company has signed an MoU with PV Gas for long-term supply and FSRU operations.
At a separate meeting, Lockheed Martin and the Vietnamese side discussed cooperation in aerospace and telecommunications. Dien cited previous satellite projects VINASAT-1 and VINASAT-2 as examples of bilateral ties. He said Vietnam plans to launch a new satellite in 2026 and is looking to join Lockheed Martin’s supply chain.
Nancy Ziuzin, deputy chair in charge of international government affairs at Lockheed Martin, said the company sees Vietnam as a strategic market and agreed to enhance technology transfer and establish regular information-sharing mechanisms.
SpaceX said it would invest around US$1.5 billion to deploy Starlink satellite internet services in Vietnam. The company plans to build 10 to 15 ground stations and expand broadband access in remote and border areas.
The Vietnamese Government is working to resolve legal and policy issues to facilitate the project. Dien called on SpaceX to broaden cooperation in IT, clean energy, and technology training.
In a meeting with Google, Karan Bhatia, deputy chair in charge of Government Affairs & Public Policy at Google, said the firm views Vietnam as a central part of its supply chain restructuring strategy. Dien urged the company to localize input materials and diversify regional supply sources. The Ministry of Industry and Trade offered support in connecting Google with domestic firms and reviewing infrastructure and tax policies if the company expands operations.
At the meetings, Dien asked U.S. companies to support Vietnam’s call for market economy recognition and removal from export control lists D1 and D3, which restrict access to U.S. high-tech goods. He said the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries provides a foundation for expanded investment and a more balanced trade relationship.
