Vietnam’s President to meet tech giants during US visit

Vietnam’s president and Communist Party chief, To Lam, is preparing for a significant visit to the US next week, where he is set to meet with major US corporations, including Google and Meta. According to sources, this marks Lam’s first trip to the US since his appointment in August as the leader of the party, Vietnam’s most influential political role. Although the details of the meetings remain undisclosed, the discussions are expected to focus on business and technological ties, as Meta and Google already have deep involvement in Vietnam through services like Facebook and manufacturing efforts.

Lam is also scheduled to attend a business forum on 23 September, including representatives from various US companies. The forum, organised by the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), highlights Vietnam’s growing importance as a manufacturing hub and a strategic market for American corporations. Over the last year and a half, US businesses have increased their engagement in Vietnam, with major firms such as Boeing, Mastercard, and Amazon actively participating in business missions.

While Lam’s meetings with Meta and Google signal deepening tech collaboration, the larger context of the trip reflects the US and Vietnam’s evolving diplomatic relationship. Washington views Vietnam as a critical partner in diversifying its supply chains, reducing dependency on China, and exploring cooperation in sensitive industries like undersea cables. However, it remains unclear whether Lam will meet US President Joe Biden during this trip, as the White House has not confirmed any plans.

Lam’s US visit comes on the heels of a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping last month, reflecting his role in navigating Vietnam’s relationships with major world powers. After addressing the UN General Assembly, he is expected to fly to Cuba and later, in early October, he will embark on a state visit to France.