Tuesday 15 July 2025
Vietnam's manufacturing and AI growth: What's really happening
Vietnam is changing fast. The country is attracting more foreign investment, especially in manufacturing and artificial intelligence (AI). Big companies from the US, Europe, and Asia are setting up factories and research centers here. This is not just about cheap labor anymore. It's about technology, skills, and new ideas.Foreign investment keeps risingIn the first five months of 2025, Vietnam pulled in over US$18 billion in foreign investment. That's a big jump from last year. Most of this money is going into factories, digital technology, and AI. Real estate is still important, but the focus is shifting. Investors want to build things, not just buy land.The government is making it easier for companies to set up shop. They're fixing rules, building better roads, and supporting new businesses. They want Vietnam to be a place where high-tech companies can grow. This is part of a bigger plan to boost the economy and create more jobs.Why companies are choosing VietnamVietnam's location helps. It's close to China, Japan, and other big markets. Labor costs are lower than in China. The country is part of several trade deals, so it's easier to export goods. These things make Vietnam attractive for companies that want to build electronics, semiconductors, and other tech products.Big names like Samsung, Intel, and Foxconn are already here. Apple is moving some of its manufacturing from China to Vietnam. Google and Meta are expanding too. Even SpaceX and the Trump Organization have announced big investments.But it's not just about foreign companies. Local firms like FPT are growing fast. They're working with global tech leaders like NVIDIA to build AI factories and train workers.AI is more than a buzzwordAI is not just a trend in Vietnam. It's becoming part of daily life and business. The government has set up a national AI strategy. They want to train more people, build research centers, and support startups. The goal is to make Vietnam a leader in AI in Southeast Asia.Vietnam now ranks 5th in ASEAN for AI readiness and 59th in the world. That's a big jump in just a few years. The country is investing in data infrastructure and encouraging universities to teach AI skills. FPT, for example, is working with NVIDIA to build an AI factory. They want 3-5% of the population working in AI in the future.Real-world AI applicationsAI is already making a difference in several areas:*Manufacturing: Factories use AI to manage supply chains, reduce waste, and improve quality. This helps them compete globally. *Healthcare: AI tools help doctors diagnose faster and more accurately. Startups are building AI systems for medical imaging and patient care. *Agriculture: Farmers use AI to monitor crops, predict weather, and manage resources. This boosts yields and cuts costs. *Education: Schools are using AI to personalize learning. Universities are launching new AI courses and research programs. *E-commerce: Online shopping is booming. AI helps companies manage logistics, recommend products, and serve customers better.The semiconductor pushSemiconductors are a big deal. Vietnam wants to be a hub for chip manufacturing, and the industry is expected to be worth over $20 billion by the end of 2025. Companies from the US, Japan, and other countries are building factories here, for example, Amkor just opened a $1.6 billion plant in Bac Ninh. The US and Vietnam have signed agreements to develop the chip industry together.Training workers is a priority. Vietnam aims to train 50,000 semiconductor professionals by 2030. FPT corporation, one of Vietnam's largest technology companies, plans to train 10,000 of them. They have set up new university programs and are working with partners from India and the UK.E-commerce and digital growthVietnam's e-commerce market is now one of the top three in Southeast Asia. In 2024, online sales are expected to hit $16 billion. More people are shopping online, using smartphones, and paying digitally. Big platforms dominate, but smaller websites and social media shops are growing too.AI is helping e-commerce companies run smoother. It's used for everything from managing warehouses to chatting with customers. Experts think AI could add up to $130 billion to Vietnam's economy by 2040, mostly through better productivity and new products.Challenges to watchVietnam's growth story is impressive, but there are real challenges.*Infrastructure: Some rural areas still lack good internet and tech access. This makes it hard for everyone to benefit from new technology. *Skills Gap: There aren't enough trained workers in AI and advanced manufacturing. More training and education are needed. *Regulation: The government is working on better rules for investment and data privacy. But it takes time to get it right. *Origin Fraud: Some companies use Vietnam as a stopover to avoid tariffs, especially from China. This can cause trade problems. The government is trying to crack down on this. *Environmental Concerns: Not all investments are good. Projects that pollute or don't meet safety standards are being watched more closely.What's next for Vietnam?Vietnam is not just a place for cheap assembly anymore. It's becoming a center for high-tech manufacturing and AI. The government, local companies, and foreign investors are all pushing in the same direction. They want to build a strong, modern economy that can compete globally.The country is setting up an international financial center to attract more investment. They are also working to make the business environment more transparent and reliable. This should help build trust and bring in more long-term partners.What Vietnam's growth means for youVietnam's rise in manufacturing and AI is real. The country is attracting more investment, building new factories, and training more people. AI is moving from buzzword to reality, with real impact in factories, hospitals, farms, and schools. The semiconductor industry is growing fast, and e-commerce is booming.But there are still hurdles. Infrastructure, skills, and regulation need more work. The government and businesses know this and are taking steps to fix it.Fusion Worldwide has an office right here in Vietnam. That means we are on the ground, ready to help you source what you need, navigate local markets, and make decisions that support your long-term goals. When you work with us, you are gaining a partner who understands the landscape, speaks the language and is invested in your success.The opportunity isn't just to react to change, but to shape your future supply chain and technology strategy. With the right support, you can turn Vietnam's momentum into your own advantage, today and for the long run.Tony Leong, Fusion Worldwide Senior Director of Business Development, Asia