The request was made by Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui Hoang Phuong during a working session on September 17, 2026, with Mr. Joe Nelligan, CEO of Koch Industries and Molex (USA).
Overview of the working session.
At the meeting, both sides exchanged views on plans for expanding investment, high-tech manufacturing, research and development (R&D), and human resource development in Viet Nam.
Deputy Minister Bui Hoang Phuong noted that Molex's operational orientation aligns closely with the Vietnamese Government’s strategy to promote science, technology, and innovation.
Highlighting that Viet Nam is implementing numerous supportive policies for corporate investment and manufacturing, particularly in high-tech sectors, the Ministry of Science and Technology expressed its desire for Molex to strengthen ties with domestic businesses, universities, and research institutes. Such collaboration is expected to help the company expand its technology R&D while training a technical workforce that meets industrial demands.
Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui Hoang Phuong and delegates from Koch Industries and Molex pose for a group photo.
According to Deputy Minister Bui Hoang Phuong, Viet Nam’s system of universities, research institutes, and training facilities serves as a vital resource for Molex to recruit, train technical staff, and progressively build a high-skilled local workforce.
Regarding the investment environment, the Deputy Minister shared that administrative and licensing authorities have been increasingly decentralized to local government levels to facilitate business operations. The Ministry of Science and Technology will coordinate with local specialized agencies to guide and support Molex through relevant procedures.
Viet Nam is also ramping up investments in science, technology, and innovation, including the development of databases, computing systems, artificial intelligence application platforms, telecommunications infrastructure, data transmission, and digital connectivity. Deputy Minister Bui Hoang Phuong suggested these as promising areas for Molex to explore and participate in, fully compatible with the group's technological capabilities and growth strategy.
Molex has been operating in Viet Nam for nearly 20 years. Following its manufacturing facility in Dong Anh, Hanoi, the company recently inaugurated a new 250,000 m² manufacturing complex in Hung Yen Province, which stands as Molex's largest production facility globally.
Mr. Joe Nelligan expressed high appreciation for the support provided by the Vietnamese Government and local authorities throughout the project's implementation, affirming that Viet Nam is becoming an increasingly strategic market in the group's global investment footprint.
Reaffirming Viet Nam's commitment, Deputy Minister Bui Hoang Phuong emphasized that the country attaches great importance to long-term partnerships with high-tech and technology corporations. The Government will continue to refine policies, create a favorable environment, and partner with FDI enterprises committed to long-term investment that contributes to Viet Nam's technological, industrial, and economic development./.
