Vietnam’s Strategic Orientation for Semiconductor Industry Development through Decisions 1017/QĐ-TTg and 1018/QĐ-TTg

On September 21, 2024, the Prime Minister of Vietnam issued two milestone decisions that mark a new stage in the nation’s semiconductor development strategy:

• Decision 1017/QĐ-TTg on developing human resources for the semiconductor industry; and

• Decision 1018/QĐ-TTg on the national strategy for semiconductor industry development through 2030, with a vision to 2050.

Decision 1017/QĐ-TTg: Building Human Capital – the “Breakthrough of Breakthroughs”

This decision focuses on creating a highly qualified workforce — viewing human resources as the core foundation for forming and advancing Vietnam’s semiconductor sector. By 2030, the program aims to:

• Train at least 50,000 semiconductor professionals;

• Strengthen the pool of lecturers and researchers;

• Establish four national semiconductor laboratories and a network of university-based labs;

• Implement special mechanisms for scholarships, expert attraction, and State–University–Enterprise collaboration to build a sustainable talent pipeline.

Decision 1018/QĐ-TTg: A Comprehensive Strategy for the Semiconductor Industry

Decision 1018 outlines Vietnam’s semiconductor roadmap based on the formula C = SET + 1, emphasizing three pillars: Specialized chips, Electronic industries, and Talent, coupled with Vietnam’s geopolitical advantages in regional supply chains.

Strategic objectives by 2030 include:

• Establishing 100 IC design enterprises;

• Developing one small-scale chip fabrication plant;

• Building ten packaging and testing facilities; and

• Attracting high-quality FDI under the “China+1” investment model.

By 2050, the vision is for Vietnam to achieve full autonomy in chip research and production, becoming a leading semiconductor–electronics hub in Asia.

Complementary Policies – Building a Holistic Framework

While differing in scope, the two decisions are mutually reinforcing:

• Decision 1017 addresses human capital — the decisive first factor across all stages of the semiconductor value chain;

• Decision 1018 defines the broader industrial ecosystem — from core technologies, design, packaging, and testing to electronics manufacturing, FDI, and infrastructure.

One focuses on “people”, the other on “space and direction.” Together, they establish a comprehensive policy foundation enabling Vietnam to accelerate its semiconductor ambitions and elevate its position in the global value chain.

This strategic duo marks Vietnam’s transition from a peripheral participant to a country capable of independent chip design, production, and innovation — paving the way toward a sustainable and self-reliant semiconductor industry.

References:

• Decision 1017/QĐ-TTg dated 21 September 2024: Approval of the Program for Developing Human Resources in the Semiconductor Industry through 2030, with Orientation toward 2050.

• Decision 1018/QĐ-TTg dated 21 September 2024: Promulgation of the National Strategy for Vietnam’s Semiconductor Industry Development through 2030, Vision to 2050.