In talks with the Excelerate Energy representative, Minister Dien affirmed Viet Nam’s strong support for the company’s involvement in developing liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure and markets.

At the meeting between Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien and Google representative in May 20 in Washington DC.

Viet Nam plans to construct 14 gas-fired power plants in the coming years to ensure national energy security. LNG supply is therefore a top priority, with the Government having recently lowered import tariffs from 5% to 2% to encourage investment.

Peter Haas, Vice President of the US energy giant, proposed three key areas of cooperation – investing in LNG infrastructure, securing stable LNG supply, and forming joint ventures with Vietnamese partners, with a view to helping Viet Nam become a regional LNG distribution hub within ASEAN.

Excelerate Energy has already signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with PV Gas, a subsidiary of the Viet Nam National Industry-Energy Group (Petrovietnam) for long-term LNG supply and development of floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) infrastructure – areas that Dien said align closely with Viet Nam’s future energy strategy.

Meeting with defence and aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, the minister praised the long-standing, reliable cooperation between the company and Viet Nam, particularly in telecommunications, citing the success of the VINASAT-1 (2008) and VINASAT-2 (2012) satellite projects.

Dien noted that Viet Nam is preparing to launch a new generation satellite by the end of 2026 and hopes to expand collaboration in aerospace, digital infrastructure, and the enhancement of national telecom and space sovereignty.

The country is interested in exploring flexible cooperation models and participation in Lockheed Martin’s supply chains.

Nancy Ziuzin, Vice President for International Government Affairs at Lockheed Martin, lauded the Vietnamese market's potential and strategic role and affirmed the company’s commitment to supporting its development in key sectors such as aviation, aerospace, and defence technology.

Both sides agreed to establish regular cooperation mechanisms and promote technology transfer projects.

Meanwhile, in discussions with the Vietnamese minister, the SpaceX delegation, led by Vice President Tim Hughes, underscored the firm's strong commitment to developing Viet Nam’s telecom infrastructure through the rollout of its Starlink satellite internet service.

SpaceX plans to invest approximately 1.5 billion USD to expand broadband coverage, particularly in remote, border, and island areas. The company aims to build 10-15 ground stations in Viet Nam in the initial phase.

Describing the Southeast Asian nation as a strategic market in Starlink’s global expansion roadmap, Tim Hughes said his company desires to work closely with the Vietnamese Government to support the local digital transformation, bridge the digital divide, and drive socio-economic growth through advanced technology.

Dien said the Vietnamese Government is willing to support the plan in terms of regulatory and policy facilitation. He encouraged SpaceX to broaden cooperation into areas such as IT, clean energy, technology transfer, and high-tech workforce training.

At a separate meeting with Google representives, led by its Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy Karan Bhatia, Minister Dien acknowledged the conglomerate’s strategic positioning of Viet Nam as a central player in the global supply chain restructuring.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade pledged to support Google in connecting with local businesses, providing relevant information, and considering supportive policies on infrastructure, logistics, and taxation if the company decides to expand its investment or enhance its supply chain capabilities in Viet Nam.

Google expressed gratitude for Viet Nam’s ongoing support of its operations and affirmed its commitment to accompany the country during ongoing trade negotiations with the US.

At all meetings, Minister Dien asked the US corporate leaders to convey Viet Nam's message to the administration of President Donald Trump: the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership is creating momentum for US businesses to thrive in Viet Nam.

Strengthening long-term cooperation will yield strategic benefits, help balance trade relations fairly and sustainably, and Viet Nam should be treated as a priority trading partner.

Dien also called for joint efforts to resolve existing economic and trade issues, expedite the US’s recognition of Viet Nam as a market economy, and remove the country from export control lists (D1, D3) that limit access to high-tech products. Such measures, he noted, would bring mutual benefits in both the short and long term.

These working sessions were held in conjunction with the second technical round of negotiations for the Viet Nam – US reciprocal trade agreement, taking place in the US capital from May 19 to 22.

Bac Ninh's FDI atraction sees two-fold rise in four month

To date, Bac Ninh is home to 2,475 active FDI projects, with a total registered capital exceeding 31 billion USD.

 

FDI inflow into Vietnam surges by nearly 40% in four months

While newly-registered capital declined by 23.8% to 5.59 billion USD, additional capital injections into existing projects increased nearly 3.9 times to 6.4 billion USD. Capital contributions and share purchases in the four months reached 1.83 billion USD, or a 2.1-fold increase year-on-year.

 

Viet Nam aims to attract high-quality foreign investment

The Ministry of Finance has emphasised that Viet Nam is making thorough preparations to welcome a new wave of investment, with specific strategies and solutions. This effort is further grounded by the strong recovery and breakthrough in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows during the first quarter of 2025.

Investment in AI in Vietnam increases eightfold

Vietnam is entering a new phase of growth, where innovation, science, and technology are at the forefront of shaping its future. From being an emerging market, Vietnam has now risen to become a strategic destination for technology investment in Southeast Asia, driven by the aspirations of the entrepreneurial community and strategic guidance from the government

 

Vietnam remains attractive destination for foreign enterprises: forum

As one of the most open economies in the world, coupled with robust infrastructure development, an improved business climate, political stability, and competitive incentive policies, Vietnam continues to be an ideal destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises.

Bac Giang attracts more investment to Industrial Parks

BAC GIANG – Despite global economic challenges, Bac Giang Province continues to attract rising levels of investment into its industrial parks.