Vietnam’s President To Lam is poised for a landmark visit to the United States next week, marking a significant moment in Vietnam’s diplomatic and economic engagement with the global tech landscape. Scheduled meetings with major companies, including Google and Meta, highlight Vietnam’s ambitions to deepen its technological partnerships. This visit is particularly notable as it represents Lam’s first official trip to the U.S. since assuming the role of Communist Party Chief in August, the country’s highest political office.
The meetings are set against the backdrop of increasing American corporate interest in Vietnam as a manufacturing hub. Global tech giants are not just seeking to tap into the burgeoning Vietnamese market; they are also looking at Vietnam as a strategic location in efforts to diversify supply chains amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. Recent figures indicate a growing American footprint in Vietnam, with companies like Boeing, Mastercard, and Amazon actively participating in business missions over the past year.
Lam’s dialogues with industry leaders will likely center on expanding digital infrastructure and increasing collaboration in information technology. Both Google and Meta have established significant operations in Vietnam; Google has launched initiatives to increase internet access and digital skills among Vietnamese citizens, while Meta’s platforms, including Facebook and WhatsApp, dominate social media usage in the country. These platforms also play a crucial role in driving digital advertising and e-commerce, sectors that are rapidly growing in Vietnam.
On September 23, Lam will participate in a business forum organized by the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), where he will meet with representatives from various U.S. companies. The forum is an essential showcase of Vietnam’s rising profile as a strategic market for American businesses, as companies look to explore opportunities amid the competitive landscape in Southeast Asia. Such engagements demonstrate a willingness from U.S. firms to invest and collaborate with Vietnamese partners to enhance technological capabilities across multiple sectors.
The broader significance of Lam’s visit goes beyond economics. It also reflects the evolving diplomatic ties between Washington and Hanoi. The United States has been keen on positioning Vietnam as a counterbalance to China, particularly in areas such as undersea cable cooperation and technology supply chains. This visit may result in discussions on how Vietnam can serve as an alternative to Chinese manufacturing, particularly as concerns grow over reliance on Chinese technology and products.
Although it remains unconfirmed whether Lam will meet U.S. President Joe Biden during this trip, the potential for high-level discussions cannot be ignored. The face-to-face interaction between leaders could underscore Vietnam’s strategic importance in U.S. foreign policy, especially in the context of the ongoing U.S.-China competition.
This trip comes on the heels of an earlier meeting Lam had with Chinese President Xi Jinping, illustrating Vietnam’s balancing act in managing relationships with two of the world’s largest powers. After the U.S. visit, Lam is expected to address the UN General Assembly, followed by a trip to Cuba and a state visit to France, further showcasing Vietnam’s proactive approach to international relations.
The tech-focused discussions and Lam’s itinerary signal Vietnam’s commitment to harnessing its digital potential. With rapid growth in e-commerce and increasing internet penetration, Vietnam is becoming an attractive ecosystem for tech investments. Enhancing cooperation with U.S. tech giants could provide Vietnam with the much-needed technology transfer and knowledge that can bolster its digital economy.
In summary, President To Lam’s forthcoming visit to the United States indicates a pivotal moment for Vietnam as it seeks to solidify its status as a technological player on the global stage. Leveraging partnerships with major American corporations not only strengthens bilateral relations but also positions Vietnam to benefit from the latest in technology and innovation. This strategic pivot may very well define Vietnam’s role in the digital economy of the future.