Exclusive Interview with H.E. Mr. Kees van Baar | Netherlands Ambassador to Vietnam, The Netherlands Embassy
Q1: What specific steps can be taken to strengthen Vietnam’s position as a strategic player in the global semiconductor industry, especially in light of increasing regional competition?
Recent investments from Dutch and international semiconductor companies reflect Vietnam’s progress in this sector. To build on this momentum, Vietnam can further strengthen its workforce, enhance its ecosystem design, refine regulations, setup efficient one-stop-shops for businesses, and improve infrastructure, particularly in energy and digital areas. The Netherlands is ready to partner in these efforts.
Q2: Given Vietnam’s growing role in the global semiconductor supply chain, what do you see as the key opportunities for Vietnam in the semiconductor space?
I would like to emphasize the semiconductor equipment market: It is projected to reach $109 billion in 2024, and will further increase to $128 billion in 2025, according to projections by SEMI. And here’s another interesting fact: about 80% of the value of a chipmaking machine made in the Netherlands comes from its supplier network. This is very interesting for Vietnam: Supplying parts and components to this sector is a huge opportunity for Vietnam, especially given its growing manufacturing capabilities and supporting industries.
Q3: What did you enjoy most about SEMIExpo Vietnam 2024?
n 2022, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited Brainport Eindhoven – the Dutch high-tech hub. In 2023, our former Prime Minister Rutte visited Vietnam with a large high-tech business delegation. We are keen to continue the cooperation with Vietnam in this sector.
SEMIExpo Vietnam was a great opportunity for us to collaborate with SEMI and NIC to address both the opportunities and challenges in Vietnam’s semiconductor industry. Strengthening Vietnam’s semiconductor industry will create more diversity in the global supply, thereby benefiting Vietnam, the Netherlands, and other countries.
Q4: Talent is one of the most pressing challenges in the semiconductor industry. What are your recommendations for Vietnam?
Workforce development is essential for Vietnam’s success in this global stage. This involves not only professionals and engineers from higher education, but also skilled workers from vocational training who need to possess the necessary capabilities and soft skills. It’s vital for universities, universities, vocational training institutes, the businesses and the government entities to work hand in hand to align training qualifications with industry needs.
Q5: How does the semiconductor value chain in the Netherlands look like, and what inspirations does it present for Vietnam?
As many of you know, the Netherlands is a frontrunner in the semiconductor industry. On average, 85% of the integrated circuits in electronic devices worldwide are made on machines that are designed and manufactured in the Netherlands.
The Dutch semiconductor value chain is much broader than just a few global giants. It is an interconnected network of over 300 suppliers across multiple tiers and various fields – everything from metal-processing, mechanics, mechatronics, and optics, to engineering services, and more. In fact, these smaller companies represent 41% of the revenue and 59% of the employment of the sector in the Netherlands.
This highlights that the semiconductor industry offers opportunities for both small and large businesses in different sectors. This is an inspiration to Vietnam: we can all play a role in this exciting landscape!