Vietnam is emerging as an important market for Apple. In recent years, the US tech giant has invested in building resemble lines in Vietnam for AirPods, MacBooks, Apple Watches, and iPads. The tech group is also increasing its presence in the country with the opening of online stores and the Vietnam first-visit of CEO Tim Cook.
On April 15, Apple CEO Tim Cook, accompanied by a delegation of senior officials from the global tech company, arrived in Vietnam. This marked Tim Cook’s first-ever visit, underscoring Apple’s commitment to sustainable long-term investment in the Vietnamese market.
Apple Vietnam’s official website cited CEO Tim Cook as saying: “There is no place like Vietnam, a vibrant and beautiful country. I am extremely excited to come here to connect with students, creators and customers, understand more about the diversity in the way they use our products to do extraordinary things.”
The Apple CEO also said: “At Apple, we always strive to build deep connections and bring more benefits to the people where we operate. From cooperating with local suppliers, to supporting clean water supply projects and educational opportunities, we are committed to continuing to strengthen connections in Vietnam.”
Indeed, Apple has significantly bolstered its presence in Vietnam through a variety of initiatives. One notable example is Apple’s collaboration with the global clean water organization, Gravity Water. Together, they have implemented advanced rainwater storage systems in schools located in Vietnam’s northern province of Hoa Binh. With Apple's support, Gravity Water aims to equip over 130 schools with these systems by the end of April, ensuring a reliable and safe water supply for over 42,000 students, teachers, and families throughout the year.
Furthermore, Apple is making efforts to bring clean energy to rural schools in Vietnam through its Power for Impact initiative. Launched in 2019, the programme recognizes the positive impact of clean energy access on communities and organizations. By financing small-scale clean energy projects, Apple helps local communities and institutions gain access to reliable and cost-effective energy sources, fostering greater opportunities for growth and development.
Apple is also collaborating with the TRE Foundation to install solar battery systems in 20 rural schools in Vietnam, support teaching programmes for children on sustainable development and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
This year, the company will expand its Disability Vocational Training programme to promote inclusion in the supply chain and provide greater opportunities for people with disabilities.
In addition, Apple will continue to expand programmes within the 50-million-USD Supplier Employee Development Fund, including educational programmes that build skills for current and future employments.
Apple supports students and teachers across the country in STEM education with programming and application development resources in the Vietnamese language.
In mid-May 2023, Apple opened an online store for the Vietnamese market with a team of support experts sharing professional knowledge in Vietnamese. In August 2023, Apple opened payment via Apple Pay for Vietnamese customers.
In early 2024, Apple invested in upgrading service quality in Vietnam by announcing a plan to collect map data in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other cities and provinces.
According to Vu The Binh, Vice President and General Secretary of the Vietnam Internet Association, the visit by CEO Tim Cook reaffirms Apple’s interest in Vietnam and their commitments to expanding the supply chain in Vietnam.
“We believe that this visit brings positive signs for Vietnam, both in terms of opportunities for businesses participating in the supply chain, as well as increasing foreign investor confidence in the Vietnamese business environment.”
