Viettel Group, a Vietnamese multinational telecommunications corporation, has recently launched the initialization phase of building the country’s first semiconductor chip fabrication plant. This ambitious venture, endorsed by the Ministry of National Defense, is a part of a governmental initiative to indigenize chip production capabilities. The project is aimed at developing a comprehensive domestic ecosystem for semiconductor technologies.
The prospective plant will be based in Hanoi, within the Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park, spread across an area of approximately 27 hectares. Its intended purpose is to serve as a national hub for a variety of processes including research, design, testing, and the actual production of semiconductor chips.
Upon becoming operational, the plant is expected to bolster several national industries, including aerospace, telecommunications, the Internet of Things (IoT), automotive manufacturing, medical devices, and automation, among others.
The process of creating a fully functional semiconductor chip necessitates six primary stages: product definition, system design, detailed design, chip fabrication, packaging and testing, and integration and testing. To date, Vietnam has engaged in five of these steps, with chip fabrication—the most intricate and crucial stage—remaining unattained domestically. The establishment of the proposed semiconductor chip fabrication plant will enable Vietnam to close this gap, allowing it to complete the full spectrum of the semiconductor chip production process.
The Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh, emphasized the significance of the project, stating that the groundbreaking of the country’s first high-tech semiconductor chip fabrication plant is a momentous event. It signifies a step towards achieving the national strategy for the development of the semiconductor industry and sets the foundation for Vietnam to integrate more deeply into the global value chain through advancements in science, technology, and innovation.
In addition, the plant is expected to function as a practical training center for the semiconductor workforce, merging training with an authentic production environment. As a part of the National Semiconductor Strategy, Vietnam is planning to train 50,000 chip design engineers by 2030, with an aim to cultivate a workforce of over 100,000 individuals in the semiconductor industry by 2040.
The CEO of Viettel Group, Lieutenant General Tao Duc Thang, emphasized that the plant’s construction would be completed, technology transfer received, and pilot production initiated all by the end of 2027.
The fabrication plant project will unfold between 2026 and 2030, incorporating plant construction, technology transfer, process perfection, and improved operational efficiency. The project’s long-term vision includes the expansion of the Hoa Lac plant, which would provide a platform for Vietnam to gradually access more advanced semiconductor technologies.
The launch of this high-tech semiconductor chip fabrication plant is a significant step in Vietnam’s journey towards building technological capabilities, contributing to the country’s objective of technological self-reliance and lasting sustainability.
What is the purpose of the semiconductor chip fabrication plant?
The plant will serve as a national hub for research, design, testing, and production of semiconductor chips, supporting numerous national industries.
What is the timeline for the plant’s construction and operation?
The plant is expected to be constructed, receive technology transfer, and begin pilot production by the end of 2027. The period from 2028 to 2030 will focus on process optimization and efficiency improvements.
How will the plant contribute to workforce development in Vietnam?
The plant will also serve as a practical training center for the semiconductor workforce, attempting to train 50,000 chip design engineers by 2030, and aim for a workforce of over 100,000 in the industry by 2040.
