Business News

Vietnam's new vision on strategic foreign direct investment means that the work of Vinacontrol Group in terms of technology assessment is deemed more vital than ever. Vinacontrol Group is currently one of only two organisations nationwide designated by the Ministry of Science and Technology to conduct technology assessment under Decision No.29/2023/QD-TTg, placing it at the centre of a process that increasingly determines whether an investment project can proceed, be adjusted, or be extended.

Vietnam is stepping up efforts to build an AI-ready workforce, targeting 50,000 skilled professionals and 10,000 advanced specialists by 2030 to strengthen strategic industries. Deputy Prime Minister Le Tien Chau signed Decision No.1528/QD-TTg, dated August 11, approving the National Programme on Artificial Intelligence Human Resource Development through 2030, with a vision to 2035.

After more than three decades as one of Việt Nam's leading destinations for foreign investment, Hà Nội is entering a new phase, shifting its focus from attracting capital in volume to drawing technology-intensive investment that can help transform the capital into a regional hub for research, innovation and high-tech industries.

The plan, unveiled on June 17, seeks to drive the development of digital infrastructure, workers, data, strategic technologies, and cybersecurity during the 2026-2030 period. Under the scheme, large-scale strategic technology companies must meet several criteria simultaneously, including annual revenue of at least $1 billion and an average workforce of no fewer than 5,000 employees. 

Microsoft noted that AI adoption in Vietnam has increased stably from 21.2 per cent in the first half of 2025 to 26.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2026. In Southeast Asia, Vietnam trails behind Singapore at 63.4 per cent. Meanwhile, Vietnam outperformed most Southeast Asian peers in AI adoption, including Malaysia (21.8 per cent), the Philippines (20.1 per cent), and Thailand (12.4 per cent).

The HCMC People’s Committee has issued a plan to implement the city’s program on artificial intelligence (AI) research and development for 2026 under the 2020–2030 roadmap. A key target is to raise the rate of direct application and commercialization of AI research outcomes and intellectual property assets to more than 60%.

Starting July 1, Vietnam will prioritize investment in the development of 70 high technologies and encourage the development of 100 high-tech products as part of efforts to shape investment flows and accelerate growth in the digital economy. The policy is outlined in Decision No. 23/2026/QD-TTg issued by the prime minister, replacing Decision No. 38/2020/QD-TTg, which had been in effect for more than five years.

At least 300,000 firms will receive support for advanced technology adoption under a 2026-2030 SME digital transformation project recently approved by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. The project aims to support 500,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by 2030 at all activities, including at least 300,000 firms that will adopt digital solutions, platforms, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).