The potential move could be worth about US$1 billion and would signal a growing role for the country as part of the global supply chain for semiconductors, as companies push to cut reliance on China and Taiwan (China) because of political risks and trade tension with the United States, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

One of the sources said the investment was likely to be made "over future years" and could end up being even bigger than US$1 billion, while the other source said that Intel was also weighing up alternative investment in Singapore and Malaysia, which may be preferred to Vietnam.

Asked about the possible investment plan, Intel told Reuters that, "Vietnam is an important part of our global manufacturing network, but we have not announced any new investments."

Currently, Intel has invested approximately US$1.5 billion in the factory in the country. Intel Products Vietnam is the largest assembly and testing plant in the Intel network and has become one of the 10 main Intel manufacturing facilities worldwide.

Last year, during a reception for Patrick Gelsinger, CEO of Intel Corporation, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposed that Intel continue to inject money into the nation, especially in high technology and clean technology, a move which would contribute to the development of digital economic infrastructure.

Gelsinger assessed that Intel has invested in the nation for the past 15 years and has been very successful, noting that the group has decided to continue investing in the country on a larger scale moving forward.

Source: VOV