[Vietnam Watch #01] Why Vietnam is Becoming Asia’s New Factory – and What It Means for the World
Explore how Vietnam is transforming into Asia’s manufacturing powerhouse—with smart investments, global partnerships, and a future-focused approach. Vietnam’s Rise: From Agriculture to Industry Twenty years ago, Vietnam was a farming nation. Today, it stands at the center of global supply chains. The change began with simple factories for textiles and footwear—but quickly evolved. By the late 2010s, electronics giants saw Vietnam as a viable home for high-tech manufacturing. Now, the country builds smartphones, digital TVs, semiconductors, and even smart car parts. What’s Driving the Shift? There are three key forces behind Vietnam’s rise: Cost efficiency: Competitive labor costs that attract global brands. Policy support: Over a dozen free-trade agreements offer tariff advantages and investor protections. China+1 manufacturing: Companies are diversifying beyond China, reducing risk and boosting resilience. Major Players in the Game Samsung has invested more than...