The elevation of Vietnam - U.S. relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership marks a significant and positive turning point, providing substantial opportunities for U.S. businesses to enhance cooperation with Vietnamese enterprises and localities, particularly in areas where the United States has strengths, such as the semiconductor industry. Recently, on the sidelines of the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting held in San Francisco, USA, on the evening of November 15th (Vietnam time), Saigontel supported, facilitated, and organized a working session between the delegation of Thai Nguyen Provincial People's Committee leaders and the Semiconductor Industry Association of the United States (SIA).

During the working session, the Thai Nguyen Province representatives included Comrade Trinh Viet Hung, Member of the Central Party Committee (absent), Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, alongside representatives from departments, committees, sectors, and localities. The Semiconductor Industry Association of the United States (SIA) was represented by Mr. John Neuffer, President, CEO of the Association, and Mr. Mary Thornton, Vice President of Global Policy. The Green Alliance was represented by Ms. Nguyen Cam Phuong, General Director of Saigon Telecommunication Technology Joint Stock Company (Saigontel), and Mr. David Lewis, Chairman cum CEO of Energy Capital Vietnam (ECV).

In a spirit of open exchange and cooperation, Comrade Trinh Viet Hung expressed delight in meeting and exchanging experiences in the semiconductor industry and investment opportunities with SIA. The semiconductor industry is a sector in which Thai Nguyen Province holds significant potential, advantages, and is of particular interest to the province. With an investment-friendly environment, favorable geographical location, and ample industrial land reserves, Thai Nguyen Province aims to attract U.S. investors to the semiconductor industry within the region. The United States possesses strengths in the semiconductor industry, and following the elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Thai Nguyen looks to SIA as a bridge to connect U.S. investors with investment opportunities in Thai Nguyen. The province is committed to creating the most favorable conditions for semiconductor industry investors to implement investment projects within its jurisdiction.

Thai Nguyen Province acknowledges Saigontel's collaboration in supporting and facilitating investment promotion with experienced partners, which has been instrumental in the province's development. The province hopes that Saigontel will continue this supportive role, standing by the province in attracting U.S. investors in the future. On this occasion, Thai Nguyen Province cordially invites Mr. John Neuffer and Mr. Mary Thornton to arrange a visit and working session with the province at their earliest convenience. This visit aims to further delineate specific objectives for investment promotion between the two parties.

Mr. John Neuffer, representing SIA, expressed immense pleasure in participating in the working session with Thai Nguyen Province and Vietnamese partners. He noted Vietnam's overall commitment to attracting investment, particularly Thai Nguyen Province's focused efforts to draw U.S. investors, especially those within the semiconductor industry. Following the elevation of both countries' relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, SIA and associated enterprises view this as an excellent opportunity to expand their business operations. The Association is particularly interested in Vietnam's investment environment, with Thai Nguyen Province being a key area of focus.

SIA also shared its experiences in the semiconductor industry and emphasized the need for the province to prepare infrastructure conditions, focus on workforce development, and establish a clear plan to attract U.S. investors. The President and CEO of SIA expressed gratitude to the province and Saigontel, ECV partners for their insights shared during the working session and accepted the invitation from Thai Nguyen Province's leadership. SIA commits to acting as a bridge for semiconductor manufacturing enterprises to explore and decide on implementing projects in Vietnam in general and Thai Nguyen Province in particular. This commitment aims to leverage the potential and advantages, delivering value, efficiency, and benefits to all parties involved.

Investment Promotion Department.