US-based tech corporation Intel could set up a research & development (R&D) office in Vietnam’s future National Innovation Center (NIC) in Hanoi to develop an innovative ecosystem, according to Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung.

Overview of the meeting. Photo: MPI.

With high priority given to innovation, science and technology, the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) has asked for Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s authorization to set up a NIC with extraordinary incentives, aiming to support innovative startups and boosting economic growth based on technologies, Mr. Dung said at an online meeting with General Director of Intel Products Vietnam Kim Huat Ooi on August 27.

The NIC, therefore, would play a significant role in Vietnam’s socio-economic development in the next phase, as well as helping local enterprises further integrate in global value chains, Minister Dung said.

According to Mr. Dung, the Vietnamese government hopes multinationals, including Intel, to support the development of the NIC and also Vietnamese enterprises in taking part in the value chains.

The minister stated Vietnam is encouraging high quality FDI projects using modern, green technologies and having strong spillover effects.

Mr. Dung said Intel Vietnam with positive business performance in the country is a good example for the cooperation between Vietnam and the US. The MPI is fully supportive to Intel’s operation in Vietnam, he stressed.

At the meeting, Mr. Kim Huat Ooi welcomed the proposal from Mr. Dung on future cooperation between the NIC and Intel, saying Intel Vietnam’s objective is to continue producing high technology products and putting efforts on fulfilling social responsibilities.

Intel Vietnam set up a US$1-billion chip assembly and testing plant in Ho Chi Minh City 14 years ago. At the Ho Chi Minh City – US Business Summit on August 25, Mr. Kim said the company was planning to expanding production in Vietnam.