Google, Microsoft accelerate shifting production to Vietnam

Google and Microsoft are accelerating efforts to shift production from China to Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, amid the worsening novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak, the Nikkei Asian Review reported.
Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Google and Microsoft areaccelerating efforts to shift production from China to Southeast Asiancountries, including Vietnam, amid the worsening novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)outbreak, the Nikkei Asian Review reported.

Google is set to begin production of its Pixel 4A with itspartners in northern Vietnam as soon as April.

The company also plans to manufacture its next-generationsmartphone, the Pixel 5, as it is expected to be called, in the second half ofthis year directly from Vietnam, two people with direct knowledge told Nikkei.

Meanwhile, Microsoft is scheduled to start producing itsSurface line, including notebook and desktop computers, in northern Vietnam inthe second quarter of this year at the earliest, another two sources familiarwith the matter said.

Most if not all Google smartphones and Microsoft-builtcomputers have been made in China so far.

The US-China trade war, along with the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak,caused many industries to consider the risks of overreliance on China for manufacturing.

"The unexpected coronavirus hit will definitely pushelectronics builders to further seek production capacity outside their mostcost-effective production base of China," Nikkei quoted a supply chainexecutive as saying.

Microsoft declined to comment. Google did not respond toNikkei's request for comment as of publication./.
VNA

See more

At the working session between the Vietnam Directorate of Market Surveillance and the US Embassy over counterfeit Sunview-branded raisins in Hanoi on February 7. (Photo: dms.gov.vn)

Vietnam, US tackle counterfeit Sunview-branded raisins

Statistics showed that since 2024, there have been 27 documented cases involving Sunview raisins, resulting in fines of over 536 million VND (21,440 USD), primarily due to the sale of smuggled goods and products of unclear origin.

The VF3 model manufactured by VinFast is the most popular model in Vietnam's market. ( Photo courtesy of the company)

EVs will no longer be exempt from registration fees

Instead of enjoying a zero percent registration fee, battery-powered electric vehicles (EVs) will be required to pay 50% of the fee applicable to internal combustion engine cars with the same seating capacity.

Thuan An Fishing Port (Photo: tuoitrethudo.vn)

Thuan An fishing port opens, boosting Hue’s seafood industry

The second docking area of Thuan An Fishing Port has a minimum cargo handling capacity of 20,000 tonnes per year, and is capable of simultaneously accommodating 500 fishing vessels of at least six metres in length for docking and storm shelter.

Vietnamese prefer buying gold to mark God of Wealth Day (Photo: VNA)

Gold prices up again on God of Wealth Day

Gold prices surged significantly, exceeding the threshold of 90 million VND (3,550 USD) per tael at the opening session of the God of Wealth Day on February 7 (the 10th day of the first lunar month).

Vietnam will complete and develop the national nuclear power infrastructure to support the implementation of the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project, (Illustrative photo: VNA)

Master plan on atomic energy development, application approved

Efforts will be made to urgently complete and develop the national nuclear power infrastructure to support the implementation of the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project, while continuing to carry out the national nuclear power development programme.

Rice for export at Thoai Son Foodstuff One-member Co. Ltd. under Loc Troi Group. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam works to expand markets, sustain rice export growth

By mid-January, Vietnam had exported 268,700 tonnes of rice, generating nearly 165.7 million USD, up 38.7% in volume and 23.28% in value year-on-year. To sustain exports, authorities are prioritising trade promotion, with the Ministry of Industry and Trade implementing measures to boost rice exports.