Tim Hughes, senior vice president for Global Business and Government Affairs at SpaceX, the U.S.-based provider of spacecraft, satellite launch services, and satellite communications, stated during a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi on Friday that SpaceX is ready to invest and offer its Starlink satellite internet services in Vietnam.

Accoding to the Vietnamese Government Portal, Prime Minister Chinh hosted a reception in Hanoi on Friday afternoon for Hughes, who is on a business trip in the country.

The trip coincided with the first anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the U.S., established in September 2023.

In September last year, Prime Minister Chinh visited the U.S. and met with various corporate leaders, including Hughes.

During their meeting on Friday, the Prime Minister expressed a desire to further enhance and deepen relations with the U.S., particularly in the areas of science, technology, innovation, high-tech industries, and semiconductors, which have been defined as key pillars of the bilateral relationship.

Acknowledging that the economic ties between Vietnam and the U.S. have not yet matched their potential or the scope of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the Prime Minister emphasized Vietnam’s commitment to creating favorable conditions for U.S. businesses, promoting a spirit of “harmonious benefits and shared risks.”

In discussing Vietnam’s development strategy, the Prime Minister highlighted the country’s focus on building a digital government, economy, society, and citizenry. 

He expressed hope that major technology firms, including SpaceX, would collaborate and invest in Vietnam.

Hughes, in response, agreed with the Vietnamese PM’s views. 

He noted that SpaceX began offering Starlink satellite internet services in the U.S. in October 2020 and now serves nearly three million customers across over 100 countries.

Hughes praised Vietnam’s investment climate and its initiative to provide universal internet access. 

He confirmed SpaceX’s readiness to invest in and offer Starlink services in Vietnam, including for education, training, and disaster prevention.

He also suggested that Vietnam prepare the necessary infrastructure and conditions to ensure the project’s success and contribute to achieving 100 percent internet coverage for the population.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) and Tim Hughes, senior vice president for Global Business and Government Affairs of SpaceX, at their meeting in Hanoi, September 6, 2024. Photo: Vietnamese Government Portal

Prime Minister Chinh welcomed SpaceX’s interest and investment in Vietnam, commending the group’s ideas and proposals for cooperation and expressing hope that these plans would soon come to fruition.

He assured that Vietnam offers the necessary infrastructure, mechanisms, and policies to support effective investment and business operations, including those of SpaceX.

The Prime Minister requested SpaceX to collaborate with relevant Vietnamese ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure the successful implementation of cooperation projects. 

This includes adhering to legal regulations and maintaining network security and safety.

He also emphasized the importance of technology transfer, human resource training, and management expertise, which will aid Vietnam in developing efficient infrastructure, smart management systems, and open mechanisms.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister encouraged SpaceX to expand partnerships with Vietnamese businesses, focusing on high technology, digital technology, and green technology. 

He also urged the development of supporting industries, ecosystems, and R&D initiatives to integrate Vietnam more deeply into the global value chain.

Hughes confirmed SpaceX’s commitment to closely collaborate with Vietnamese partners and enterprises, particularly in the areas highlighted by the Vietnamese leader.

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