The Government Office has just issued Notice No. 156/TB-VPCP dated March 28, 2026, summarizing the conclusions of the National Steering Committee on Semiconductor Industry Development at its first meeting in 2026.

Accordingly, the Steering Committee assessed that the development of the semiconductor industry "is on the right track," initially forming important foundations. Many ministries, localities, universities, and large enterprises have been recognized for their positive contributions to the formation of the domestic semiconductor ecosystem.

However, the conclusion also points out several major challenges. Notably, the domestic semiconductor industry ecosystem is not yet fully developed; there is a shortage of high-quality human resources, especially practical engineers and highly skilled personnel; the requirements for investment capital and technical infrastructure are very large; while international cooperation in technology and training still needs to be further expanded.

Focus on core technologies, laboratories, and specialized chips.

Based on that, the Steering Committee identified 2026 as the first year of implementing the Resolution of the 14th National Congress of the Party, while continuing to realize major policies on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. With the motto "Decisive implementation - Synchronized coordination - Focus on key areas - Creating tangible results," the Ministry of Science and Technology is tasked with continuing to play its role as the permanent agency, coordinating, monitoring, and urging the entire process of implementing the tasks of the Steering Committee.

One of the key tasks is to review the entire laboratory system at training institutions to compile funding needs, resolve obstacles, and propose a support program for upgrading research infrastructure.

Simultaneously, the Ministry of Science and Technology was tasked with developing documentation on a model laboratory, researching mechanisms for shared use among laboratories, and establishing mechanisms to support operating costs in the initial phase, regardless of whether they are public or private sector.

Notably, this agency is also tasked with researching and developing a catalog of specialized chips in several areas where the State will place orders, such as chips for AI cameras, UAVs, 6G devices, security chips, and Vietnamese IoT chips… and reporting to the Prime Minister in the second quarter of 2026. Along with this, it will develop a set of indicators to measure the development of Vietnam's semiconductor industry, to be completed within the same timeframe.

Tax incentives, attracting investment, and developing high-quality human resources.

From a resource perspective, the Ministry of Finance is tasked with effectively implementing preferential tax, financial, and investment policies for the semiconductor sector; and effectively allocating and mobilizing resources to support research infrastructure, innovation, and human resource training. The government also requires promoting selective investment attraction, especially high-tech projects, with the goal of attracting large global corporations to invest in Vietnam.

The concluding statement also emphasized the role of the National Innovation Center (NIC) in becoming the nucleus of the semiconductor innovation ecosystem, playing a coordinating role, connecting investment, attracting R&D centers, and supporting domestic businesses in incubating and commercializing technology.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is tasked with continuing to promote international cooperation, leveraging resources in technology, investment, and training; and strengthening the promotion of Vietnam's image as an attractive destination for high-tech projects.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education and Training must focus on developing high-quality human resources, perfecting the semiconductor microchip training program, promoting the linkage model between the State - Schools - Enterprises, and completing the approval of investment policies for laboratories under its management by May 2026.

In addition, the Ministry of Industry and Trade is tasked with finalizing policies to support the development of the electronics and semiconductor industries, ensuring the necessary energy and infrastructure conditions for high-tech production, and prioritizing clean and renewable energy for this industry.

Become more deeply involved in global value chains.

For localities, the Steering Committee requested them to proactively prepare comprehensive infrastructure, from land, electricity, water, human resources, housing to laboratories; at the same time, improve the investment and business environment, accelerate administrative procedure reforms and promptly remove bottlenecks to attract high-tech projects and form semiconductor industrial centers in Vietnam.

Training and research institutions are required to strengthen cooperation with businesses in training and research, maximize the effectiveness of research centers and laboratories that have been invested in, and expand international cooperation to improve the quality of training and research capacity in the semiconductor field.

For the business community, the message is quite clear: Domestic technology companies need to proactively improve their technological capabilities, increase investment in R&D, and participate more deeply in the semiconductor value chain; while large FDI enterprises are expected to continue expanding investment, strengthening research and development activities in Vietnam, and promoting linkages with domestic businesses to jointly develop the semiconductor industry ecosystem.

Center for Science and Technology Communication