Vietnam urged to focus on high-value tech niches in global supply chain

Vietnam should focus on competitive niches in the global technology value chain, according to a UK-based expert. Leveraging its strengths in IT outsourcing, the country has already attracted global attention with its young and skilled software engineering workforce, competitive labor costs, and strong mathematical acumen. Companies like FPT Software and VNG have demonstrated their ability to compete in international markets. These sectors require relatively modest infrastructure spending while effectively utilizing existing human capital. The expert suggests that Vietnam should further develop the foundation it has established in IT outsourcing and expand its business scope towards more advanced technological development and service provision. This implies not just contract development, but also the creation of intellectual property and the deepening of expertise in specific technological fields. The Vietnamese government is promoting its "Make in Vietnam" strategy and offering preferential import-export treatments to support domestic high-tech enterprises. The expert points out that by specializing in higher value-added technology sectors, Vietnam can further strengthen its position in the global supply chain. Specifically, focusing on research and development in cutting-edge fields such as AI, IoT, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, as well as providing solutions utilizing these technologies, is seen as key to future growth. This strategic shift has the potential to accelerate Vietnam's economic structural reform and transition towards a more sustainable and high-revenue growth model. It would also contribute to enhancing Vietnam's image as a technologically advanced nation on the international stage.