Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyễn Chí Dũng spoke at the National Assembly's session on Wednesday. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyễn Chí Dũng is pushing for decisive measures to develop a robust semiconductor ecosystem in Việt Nam, positioning the country as a key player in the global semiconductor industry. 

The minister spoke at the 15th National Assembly's 8th session on Wednesday, during which lawmakers discussed crucial proposed amendments to multiple laws governing investment, public-private partnerships (PPP) and bidding processes. 

These amendments aim to streamline administrative procedures, making it easier for investors to engage in high-tech and semiconductor-related projects. 

Dũng said Việt Nam's proactive approach to semiconductor development had attracted leading global companies to invest in the country, including Cadence, Synopsys and Siemens. 

He argued that the ongoing global chip race presents a unique opportunity for Việt Nam to establish itself as a vital link in the semiconductor value chain, promising unprecedented economic growth. 

"Swift actions are essential to capitalise on the significant opportunities presented by the growing global demand for semiconductors," said Dũng. 

The minister highlighted the proposed amendment that grants a special mechanism for semiconductor investors in industrial parks, export-oriented zones and high-tech areas.

Under the mechanism, the investors would be exempted from the administrative processes applied to other types of investors. Instead, they would be required to register their projects, with approvals expected within 15 days. 

“The proposed amendment represents a significant shift from pre-approval to post-approval, reducing bureaucratic hurdles related to construction, environmental compliance and safety standards," said Dũng. 

Other proposed amendments involve removing minimum capital requirements for PPP projects, giving local governments free rein to decide on local projects based on their needs and investor conditions, and expanding the use of PPP to encompass nearly all public projects, excluding those in state-owned monopolies or on national defence and security.

Representatives from various provinces expressed strong support for the legislative proposals.

Deputy Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Xuân from Bình Dương hailed the proposed measures as a breakthrough in administrative reform, while Deputy Nguyễn Duy Minh from Đà Nẵng emphasised the importance of attracting strategic investors to build innovation centres and R&D hubs, especially in big cities such as HCM City and Đà Nẵng.

“By simplifying investment procedures, Việt Nam will enhance its competitiveness in attracting high-tech projects, especially in major fields such as biotechnology and clean energy,” Minh said.

Deputy Lưu Bá Mạc from Lạng Sơn argued that the legal proposals would help resolve urgent issues in planning, business investment, PPP implementation and bidding processes.

The government plans to establish an Investment Support Fund in 2024 to assist high-tech enterprises with training, asset development and high-tech production, expected to further enhance Việt Nam’s position on the global semiconductor map. — VNS