The Vietnamese Negotiating Delegation Engages with Numerous American Businesses

Fostering Collaboration in Energy, Aerospace, and Digital Infrastructure

During a meeting with Excelerate Energy (US), Minister Nguyen Hong Dien affirmed that Vietnam encourages Excelerate to participate in the development of infrastructure and the market for liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Vietnam.

According to the adjusted Power Development Plan 8, to ensure national energy security, Vietnam will construct 14 gas-fired power plants in the coming years. Therefore, securing LNG sources is a top priority. Vietnam is also facilitating businesses operating in the liquefied gas industry, including reducing the import tax on LNG from 5% to 2%.

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien highly appreciated Excelerate’s proposals and acknowledged the corporation’s signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PVGas on long-term LNG supply and FSRU floating infrastructure exploitation. Excelerate’s current areas of focus, including LNG supply from the US, FSRU leasing, and gas regasification technology transfer, align with Vietnam’s future energy development orientation.

Mr. Peter Haas, Vice President of Excelerate, proposed three specific cooperation directions: investing in and developing LNG infrastructure, ensuring a stable LNG supply, and establishing a joint venture with a Vietnamese partner to expand the market, aiming to make Vietnam a regional LNG distribution hub in ASEAN.

In a meeting with Lockheed Martin, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien shared that Vietnam is preparing to launch a new-generation satellite by the end of 2026 and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in potential areas such as aerospace, digital infrastructure development, enhancing national sovereignty in cyberspace, and improving telecommunications capabilities. He also inquired about flexible cooperation models and potential participation in Lockheed Martin’s supply chain in the future.

Responding to this, Ms. Nancy Ziuzin, Vice President for International Government Affairs, Global Business Development, and Strategy at Lockheed Martin, valued the potential and strategic role of the Vietnamese market. She affirmed the company’s commitment to accompanying Vietnam’s development in key fields such as aviation, space, and defense technology. Both parties agreed to strengthen the establishment of a regular cooperation mechanism, information sharing, and the promotion of technology transfer projects.

SpaceX to Invest Approximately $1.5 Billion in Vietnam

During the meeting with the SpaceX delegation, Mr. Tim Hughes, Vice President of the corporation, affirmed the company’s strong commitment to investing in and developing telecommunications infrastructure in Vietnam through the Starlink satellite internet service project. SpaceX plans to invest approximately $1.5 billion to provide broadband internet access nationwide, especially in remote, border, and island areas. In the initial phase, SpaceX intends to build 10 to 15 ground stations in Vietnam and pledges to offer modern, stable, and reasonably priced telecommunications services to improve connectivity for millions of Vietnamese people, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.

SpaceX emphasized that Vietnam is a strategic market in Starlink’s global expansion strategy. The company aims not only to provide connectivity solutions but also to accompany the Vietnamese government in the digital transformation process, bridge the digital divide among regions, and promote socio-economic development associated with high technology.

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien appreciated SpaceX’s investment plan and long-term commitment. He also suggested that SpaceX expand its cooperation to include information technology, clean energy, and technology transfer, particularly in training high-tech human resources. These areas are considered the foundation for sustainable digital infrastructure development in Vietnam.

In a meeting with Google, the Minister of Industry and Trade requested that Google actively coordinate with domestic partners to assess the possibility of localizing input materials and expanding and diversifying supply sources from regional countries. He also committed to supporting Google in connecting with local businesses, providing information, and considering supportive policies on infrastructure, logistics, and taxes if Google decides to expand its investment or enhance its supply chain capabilities in Vietnam.

Google’s representative expressed gratitude for Vietnam’s support for its investment and business activities and pledged to accompany Vietnam in the current trade negotiations with the US.