Vietnam’s industrial landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, sparked by its growing integration into global supply chains and ambitious goals to become a modern industrialized country by 2045. This evolving scene reflects both promising opportunities and pressing challenges, particularly for domestic enterprises tasked with bridging the gap to multinational corporations (MNCs). The country’s future industrial success hinges on the capacity of these local firms, especially those in supporting industries, to elevate their standards and actively participate in an increasingly interconnected world economy.
Vietnam’s industrial sector stands at a crucial juncture. Over the past decades, it has shifted from a primarily agrarian economy to a dynamic player in global manufacturing and export markets. Yet, the potential for advancement remains partially untapped due to a notable disconnect between domestic companies and the multinational giants dominating global supply chains. A recent survey by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) starkly illustrates this divide: nearly 65% of Vietnamese enterprises have made no preparatory moves toward engaging in global supply chains, while over half lack clearly defined participation goals. This hesitation or unpreparedness is a bottleneck, hindering the country from fully harnessing the benefits of global industrial integration, including technology transfer, productivity gains, and access to broader markets.
The role of multinational corporations in the global industrial ecosystem cannot be overstated. These firms act as conduits of innovation, capital, managerial expertise, and global best practices. For Vietnam, embedding domestic suppliers and supporting industries within MNCs’ value chains is essential for enhancing industrial capacity. However, the readiness of Vietnamese companies remains uneven. Many struggle with inadequate technological sophistication, limited management expertise, and insufficient adoption of internationally recognized industrial standards. This technological and managerial gap underscores why domestic firms often find themselves sidelined in favor of imported inputs by multinationals, which limits the scale and evolution of local supporting industries.
Expanding the connection between domestic firms and multinational corporations requires a multifaceted approach. First, capacity building is critical. Vietnam’s supporting industries—including suppliers of machinery, components, and raw materials—must upgrade their production quality and operational management to meet global demands. Enhancing awareness and strategic vision concerning global value chains is also necessary. The fact that many firms have yet to define clear goals for international participation reveals a need for education and guidance to align their business strategies with global opportunities. Dr. Lương Minh Huân from VCCI emphasizes that strengthening these linkages is indispensable. When domestic enterprises successfully integrate into global supply chains, they not only become more competitive but also stimulate broader industrial upgrading within Vietnam, creating a virtuous cycle of growth and innovation.
Infrastructure and sectoral dynamics also play a pivotal role in shaping Vietnam’s industrial competitiveness. Efficient logistics and transport are the backbone of industrial integration, yet existing imbalances pose challenges. Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Danh Huy highlights that maritime and river transport account for 75.3% of freight demand, signaling a heavy reliance that may strain efficiency and flexibility. Moreover, industrial parks, critical for clustering enterprises and enabling supply chain linkages, are running near capacity with occupancy rates of 80% in the North and 89% in the South. Sustainable growth depends on expanding these parks and improving transportation networks to ensure seamless movement of goods. Digital infrastructure investments further complement these efforts by allowing firms to leverage Industry 4.0 technologies.
Speaking of Industry 4.0, Vietnam’s engagement with the Fourth Industrial Revolution represents both a challenge and a tremendous opportunity. The government’s focus on digital transformation, including AI and robotics adoption, aims to modernize Vietnam’s industrial sector and align it with global technological standards. These innovations can significantly boost the capabilities of domestic enterprises, enabling them to meet the sophisticated requirements of multinational buyers. Particular attention is given to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of the Vietnamese private sector with over 6.1 million establishments. Tailored programs target these firms to bolster their global competitiveness through technology upgrades, workforce skill development, and enhanced management practices.
Vietnam’s broader economic trajectory adds an encouraging context to its industrial ambitions. From the mid-1980s, when it was among the poorest countries globally, to its current status as a dynamic lower middle-income economy, Vietnam’s development story is one of rapid growth and increasing integration into regional and global markets. Participation in free trade agreements and efforts to diversify its export portfolio point to a country actively seeking deeper industrial and economic sophistication. However, the dominance of raw materials and low-value products in exports highlights ongoing challenges in value addition and industrial upgrading. For example, the agricultural sector’s push toward deep processing represents a concerted effort to enhance domestic capabilities and integrate more fully into value chains that generate higher returns.
Looking ahead, Vietnam’s industrial modernization path demands coherent policies and concerted efforts. Building capacity within domestic supporting industries, facilitating stronger partnerships with multinational corporations, and investing in infrastructure are foundational steps. The benefits of such collaboration extend beyond mere productivity improvements; they include technology transfer, workforce enhancement, and scalability. These elements form the pillars upon which Vietnam can establish a more resilient, competitive industrial base capable of meeting international standards.
The country’s clear vision of achieving modern industrialization by 2045 provides a long-term framework that encourages strategic alignment across government, enterprises, and industry stakeholders. However, the realization of this vision will require overcoming current shortcomings, especially the lack of preparedness and connectivity among Vietnamese firms. Through structured programs, investment in digital and physical infrastructure, and active encouragement of Industry 4.0 adoption, Vietnam can substantially narrow the gap between domestic firms and multinational corporations.
In essence, Vietnam’s industrial sector is at the brink of a substantial leap forward. By fostering deeper linkages with global supply chains and multinational corporations, it not only secures enhanced competitiveness but also cements its role on the global industrial map. This journey of transformation—punctuated by infrastructural development, enterprise capacity building, and technological innovation—will determine whether Vietnam can fulfill its aspiration of becoming a modern industrial nation within the next two decades.
发表回复