The Government has declared that 2026 must be a year of “Decisive Implementation – Synchronized Coordination – Focused Priorities – Tangible Results,” aiming to deepen Vietnam’s participation in the global semiconductor industry.
The Government Office has issued Notice No. 156/TB-VPCP dated March 28, 2026, summarizing conclusions from the first 2026 meeting of the National Steering Committee for Semiconductor Industry Development.
The Committee assessed that Vietnam’s semiconductor development is “on the right track,” with important foundational elements beginning to take shape. Many ministries, local authorities, universities, and major enterprises have been recognized for contributing to the formation of a domestic semiconductor ecosystem.
However, several major challenges remain. These include the lack of a fully synchronized ecosystem, shortages of high-quality human resources—especially skilled engineers—significant capital and infrastructure requirements, and the need to further expand international cooperation in technology and training.
Focus on Core Technologies, Labs, and Specialized Chips
The Committee identified 2026 as a pivotal year for implementing the Party’s 14th Congress Resolution and advancing national strategies on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. The Ministry of Science and Technology will continue to play a central coordinating role, overseeing implementation and ensuring progress across all initiatives.
One of the key tasks is to review the entire laboratory system at training institutions to compile funding needs, resolve obstacles, and propose a support program for upgrading research infrastructure.
Simultaneously, the Ministry of Science and Technology was tasked with developing documentation on a model laboratory, researching mechanisms for shared use among laboratories, and establishing mechanisms to support operating costs in the initial phase, regardless of whether they are public or private sector.
Notably, the Ministry is tasked with developing a list of specialized chips for state procurement, including chips for AI cameras, UAVs, 6G devices, security systems, and IoT applications. This list is expected to be submitted to the Prime Minister in Q2 2026, alongside a set of metrics to measure the industry’s development.
Tax Incentives, Investment Attraction, and Talent Development
From a resource perspective, the Ministry of Finance is tasked with effectively implementing preferential tax, financial, and investment policies for the semiconductor sector; and effectively allocating and mobilizing resources to support research infrastructure, innovation, and human resource training. The government also requires promoting selective investment attraction, especially high-tech projects, with the goal of attracting large global corporations to invest in Vietnam.
The concluding statement also emphasized the role of the National Innovation Center (NIC) in becoming the nucleus of the semiconductor innovation ecosystem, playing a coordinating role, connecting investment, attracting R&D centers, and supporting domestic businesses in incubating and commercializing technology.
The concluding statement also emphasizes the role of the National Innovation Center (NIC) in becoming the nucleus of the semiconductor innovation ecosystem, playing a coordinated role, connecting investment, attracting R&D centers, and supporting domestic businesses incubating and commercializing technology.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education and Training must focus on developing high-quality human resources, perfecting the semiconductor microchip training program, promoting the linkage model between the State - Schools - Enterprises, and completing the approval of investment policies for laboratories under its management by May 2026.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade will finalize policies to support the electronics and semiconductor industries, ensuring sufficient energy and infrastructure—particularly prioritizing clean and renewable energy.
Deeper Integration into Global Value Chains
Local authorities are required to proactively prepare synchronized infrastructure, including land, electricity, water, workforce, housing, and laboratories, while improving the investment environment and administrative procedures.
Educational and research institutions are encouraged to strengthen collaboration with businesses and expand international partnerships to enhance training and research capacity.
For businesses, the message is clear: domestic tech companies must enhance technological capabilities, increase R&D investment, and integrate more deeply into the semiconductor value chain. Meanwhile, large FDI enterprises are expected to expand investment, strengthen R&D activities in Vietnam, and foster stronger linkages with local firms to build a robust semiconductor ecosystem.
(Source: mst.gov.vn)