Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh meets with Ms. María Victoria “Maví” Zingoni, Executive Vice President of GE Vernova’s Power Segment (USA) – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac
The meeting was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper and leaders from various Vietnamese ministries and agencies.
Welcoming Ms. Zingoni and her GE Vernova colleagues to Vietnam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highlighted the significance of their visit, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the United States, and the continued implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework.
Noting that the Vietnam-U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has deepened and become more substantive and effective over nearly two years, the Prime Minister emphasized that economic, trade, investment, and science and technology cooperation remain the foundation and driving force of bilateral relations. He highly appreciated GE Vernova’s involvement in several key power projects in Vietnam, as well as GE’s long-standing partnership in Vietnam’s development and the Vietnam-U.S. relationship.
Expressing her honor at being received by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Ms. Zingoni stated that GE Vernova operates in the power sector across over 100 countries, with a revenue of USD 35 billion in 2024.
Prime Minister urges GE Vernova to expand investment in Vietnam to meet energy demands and sustainable development goals – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac
GE has been operating in Vietnam since 1993 and currently employs approximately 1,700 staff. GE Vernova is involved in notable projects in Vietnam, including Nhon Trach 3 and 4 thermal power plants, Son La and Lai Chau hydroelectric plants, and solar, wind, and grid transmission projects.
Describing Vietnam as a highly secure base for the company, Ms. Zingoni expressed GE Vernova’s intention to expand cooperation and investment in Vietnam. This includes supplying equipment for LNG power plants, building substations and transmission solutions, providing digital technology solutions for the power sector, and partnering with Vietnam to advance clean energy development.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated that Vietnam is striving for rapid and sustainable development to achieve its centennial goals: becoming a developed country with high income by 2045 and a modern industrialized nation with upper-middle income by 2030. The demand for electricity is both significant and urgent, and Vietnam is actively participating in the ASEAN power grid to enhance regional energy security.
Ms. Zingoni commits to enhancing GE Vernova’s supply chain to meet Vietnam’s needs – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac
Vietnam is committed to developing clean energy, actively participating in global climate change commitments, and implementing measures to expand renewable energy capacity. The government is continuously improving the legal framework to ensure synchronized, efficient, and sustainable energy development. Vietnam pledges to create favorable conditions, including institutional reforms, for foreign investors, particularly from the U.S., to operate effectively in compliance with Vietnamese law.
To sustain the positive momentum in economic, trade, and investment cooperation, and to strengthen Vietnam-U.S. relations, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged GE Vernova to expand its investment in Vietnam. This includes meeting energy demands, supporting sustainable development goals, contributing to infrastructure and energy ecosystem development, and participating in power generation and grid projects. He also encouraged GE Vernova to provide input on institutional improvements, train high-quality human resources, transfer advanced technologies, and develop hydrogen power projects to achieve green and sustainable energy transition.
The Prime Minister proposed that GE Vernova invest in specific projects, establish Vietnam as a long-term strategic location, and build a research and development (R&D) center in the country. He also suggested signing cooperation agreements on power generation, transmission, and grid development with Vietnamese partners such as Petrovietnam and EVN. Additionally, he requested GE Vernova to advocate for Vietnam in U.S. tariff discussions and serve as a bridge to convey Vietnam’s efforts and realities to the U.S. government, further deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
