Vietnam is ready to welcome a wave of AI investment from US technology corporations.

On January 16, 2026, in Hanoi, the Permanent Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Vu Hai Quan, met with the US Assistant Secretary of State, Russell Headlee, to discuss bilateral cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and the legal framework for digital transformation.

A general overview of the working session.

Speaking at the meeting, Russell Headlee stated that the U.S. Cyber ​​and Digital Policy Office is responsible for developing digital policies and ensuring the security and safety of information and communication infrastructure systems, including key technologies such as 4G, 5G, and moving towards 6G.

According to Russell Headlee, AI is currently a top priority in US digital policy, as evidenced by the US government's announcement of the "US AI Action Plan" on July 23, 2025. The US has been working closely with international partners, governments, and the private sector to share perspectives, update policy directions on AI, and promote the export of US AI technology to the global market.

Mr. Russell Headlee highly appreciated Vietnam's vision and ambition in AI development; and emphasized that Vietnam is gradually asserting its role as a pioneering nation in the region by promptly developing and enacting an AI Law.

Within the framework of the 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting (ADGMIN 6), the US delegation held discussions with 18 US technology companies operating in the fields of AI and telecommunications infrastructure. Many leading global technology corporations such as Google, Meta, and Amazon Web Services expressed strong interest in the Vietnamese market, considering it a potential destination for building infrastructure, developing services, and expanding business operations in the future.

However, the US side also frankly shared the disparity between the potential and the actual presence of US technology companies in Vietnam compared to some countries in the region. In that spirit, the US hopes that the Vietnamese government will continue to strengthen connections, provide support, and create more favorable conditions to promote deeper cooperation with the US business community, especially through improving the legal environment and creating a transparent, stable, and highly predictable investment space.

Regarding the security of information and telecommunications infrastructure, Mr. Russell Headlee emphasized that Vietnam and the United States are familiar partners and have had many exchanges in this field.

Regarding submarine fiber optic cable infrastructure, Mr. Russell Headlee noted that the number of cable routes in Vietnam is currently limited compared to the needs of the digital economy . The United States expressed its desire for both sides to promote consultations and share experiences in both policy and standard development regarding system safety and security, as well as in the implementation of critical ICT infrastructure.

In addition, the US side expressed interest in AI laws, the Digital Transformation Law, and the improvement of intellectual property regulations, and is ready to provide technical assistance to both the public and private sectors in Vietnam.

The United States also recommended that Vietnam consider joining a global standard framework on personal data protection, thereby facilitating secure data sharing and promoting the development of AI and new technologies.

Mr. Russell Headlee, Assistant Secretary of State of the United States, speaks at the meeting.

In his response, Permanent Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan stated that the Vietnamese Government has identified economic development based on science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation as a consistent strategic direction.

In 2025, the Ministry of Science and Technology submitted 10 draft laws for the science and technology sector to the National Assembly for promulgation; at the same time, the Government assigned the Ministry of Science and Technology to lead and issue a list of 11 strategic technologies, including many areas where Vietnam wishes to cooperate extensively with the United States such as AI, information and communication technology, and semiconductors.

Deputy Minister Vu Hai Quan also shared the US assessment regarding the limited presence of US technology companies in Vietnam. At the same time, the Deputy Minister noted that there have been positive signs recently, particularly from US companies in the semiconductor chip sector.

Vietnam is currently finalizing important draft laws such as the High-Tech Law (amended) and the Digital Technology Industry Law, with strong incentive policies aimed at attracting businesses to invest in high-tech research and production (R&D) in Vietnam.

Regarding AI, the Ministry of Science and Technology has been tasked by the Government with leading the development of the National AI Development Strategy until 2030, with a vision to 2045. Vietnam is particularly keen to cooperate with leading US AI corporations and promote investment in large-scale R&D centers in Vietnam. According to the Deputy Minister, Vietnam's young, talented, diligent, and ambitious engineering workforce is a major competitive advantage in attracting high-tech investment.

Regarding telecommunications infrastructure and national security, Deputy Minister Vu Hai Quan emphasized that national security is always the highest priority for Vietnam in all development decisions. Vietnam is ready to continue to exchange views and thoroughly research issues of concern to the United States, based on transparency, harmonizing interests, and sustainable development.

At the end of the working session, Deputy Minister Vu Hai Quan expressed his desire for the US side to share more information on its orientation and initiatives for exporting AI, as well as to strengthen cooperation in the field of submarine fiber optic cable infrastructure, considering this an important foundation for the development of digital transformation and telecommunications infrastructure in Vietnam in the coming period.

Permanent Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan speaks at the working session.

The meeting demonstrated a growing level of trust and consensus between Vietnam and the United States on strategic technology issues. Based on harmonious interests and a shared vision for safe and sustainable AI development, the two sides are opening up new avenues for cooperation, contributing to promoting investment, innovation, and elevating bilateral technology cooperation in the digital age.

Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/viet-nam-san-ready-to-welcome-the-wave-of-ai-tu-from-us-technology-corporations-197260117105242984.htm