The forum, titled "Harnessing the Power of US Investment in Central Vietnam", was co-organised by the Da Nang Young Entrepreneurs Association and the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AmCham Vietnam) as part of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Opening the forum, Le Tri Hai, chairman of the Da Nang Young Entrepreneurs Association, outlined the forum's three goals of fostering connections between US businesses and the central region, showcasing the investment potential of localities, particularly Da Nang, and promoting concrete cooperation in key sectors such as high-tech, digital transformation, renewable energy, logistics, high-quality education, and health care.

During a discussion on sustainable energy and infrastructure, Richard Mclellan, founder and CEO of RMAC Advisory, LLC, stated that the central region is likely to become a leader in energy and financial development by capitalising on investment opportunities from the US.

He highlighted the central city’s commitment to free trade zones, financial hubs, and seaport development, adding that the company is willing to seek innovative investment opportunities in the region.

However, he also stressed the need for improved legal and financial frameworks to attract and retain investors.

Sharing the view, Matthew McGarvey, co-founder of Xylem Capital, pointed out that the energy demand in central Vietnam is rising rapidly, but is also accompanied by challenges related to capital, institutional frameworks, and the readiness to adopt advanced technologies like nuclear power, LNG, and cutting-edge turbines.

He emphasised the need to have a broader regional perspective, extending beyond Da Nang to include neighbouring countries, with the goal of connecting capital flows, infrastructure, and sustainable energy strategies.

Another key highlight of the forum was the call for increased investment in education, particularly in local universities. Experts agreed that Central Vietnam has the potential to become a hub for innovation, high-tech manufacturing, and the semiconductor industry.

Meanwhile, Le Quang Dam, general director of Marvell Technology Vietnam, praised Da Nang's rapid growth and underscored the education's crucial role in emerging fields like semiconductors. Dam noted that despite Vietnamese students exceling in science and technology, they lack expertise in specialised semiconductors.

He revealed that Marvell is actively collaborating alongside universities to develop specialised training programmes, support disadvantaged students, and establish extensive laboratories.

Currently, Marvell, which has offices in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, is supporting Da Nang University in launching a semiconductor engineering training scheme.

US businesses positive on stronger economic and trade links with Vietnam

VOV.VN - A high-level business delegation consisting of 50 leading US firms is paying a working visit to Vietnam from March 18 to March 21, with this being the largest US business delegation to the nation since both countries upgraded relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.