Hanoi (VNA) - Leveraging synergies with global innovation ecosystems, particularly strategic partners in the US, will not only strengthen Vietnam’s technological self-reliance but also serve as a powerful driver in shaping the country’s firm position within the global economic architecture, according to Vo Xuan Hoai, Deputy Director of the National Innovation Centre (NIC).
Hoai made the remarks at the Vietnam–US Innovation and Investment Forum, jointly organised by NIC, the Global Electronics Association (GEA), and international partners. The event took place as part of the APEX EXPO 2026 - a premier event in the US for the electronics industry, marking a significant step in Vietnam’s deeper integration into global technology supply chains.
Held at a pivotal stage in Vietnam’s development, as the country accelerates breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, the forum aimed to connect investment flows and establish substantive cooperation frameworks among financial institutions, universities, and leading technology and innovation enterprises from both countries.
The event brought together over 100 leaders, experts, and industry pioneers, featuring participation from well-known organisations, corporations, and investment funds such as GEA, EXCEL Services Corporation, Viglacera, Sun Group, Prodezi, VNPost, Azurich, Saigontel, and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology.
Through in-depth discussions, participants examined shifts in global supply chains and Vietnam’s increasingly strategic role. They outlined pathways to attract investment to key sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), smart manufacturing, renewable energy, robotics, aerospace, and autonomous technologies.
Speakers stressed that advancing Vietnam’s position in global value chains will depend on developing a highly skilled workforce, strengthening core technological infrastructure, ensuring sustainable energy systems, and fostering a transparent investment environment aligned with international standards.
John W. Mitchell, President of GEA, noted that Vietnam is emerging as a critical link and a strategically significant destination within global technology supply chains. He highlighted that the Vietnamese Government’s proactive and enabling policies, combined with a dynamic and ambitious young workforce, are acting as strong magnets for US investors. GEA, he added, remains committed to building robust bridges to help enterprises integrate more deeply into Vietnam’s promising innovation ecosystem and generate sustainable development value.
James Voss, vice president of EXCEL Services Corporation, underscored the vast potential for bilateral cooperation in new-generation energy technologies. Expanding joint research and development, strengthening clean and stable energy infrastructure, and enhancing workforce training will lay the groundwork for large-scale flagship projects between the two countries in the coming era, he said.
Several strategic cooperation agreements were announced at the forum, including partnerships between NIC and EXCEL Services Corporation, Azurich Investment Fund, and Viet Tri University of Industry, as well as an agreement between EXCEL and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology.
Through the forum, NIC further reinforced its role as a driving force of Vietnam’s national innovation ecosystem, opening pathways for multinational corporations to establish long-term engagement in the Vietnamese market. The event also deepened the Vietnam–US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, translating political commitments into tangible economic and technological outcomes.
The forum formed a key highlight of the Global Business and Innovation Connect (GBIC) programme held in the US from March 12–17. As part of the programme, the Vietnamese delegation attended APEX EXPO 2026, joined innovation networking dialogues with Vietnamese experts in Silicon Valley, and engaged with leading global technology partners, including NVIDIA, Meta, OpenAI, Marvell, Stanford University, SEMI, and Anduril.
The programme helped promote Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem and investment environment while strengthening cooperation among government agencies, enterprises, investment funds, and research institutions of both countries. GBIC also enabled participants to capture emerging technology trends, mobilise global knowledge resources, and further advance the Vietnam–US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership./.
VNA
