Intel Considers Building a Plant in Vietnam

Intel Corp. is seeking the Vietnamese government’s permission to build a $605-million plant, a Vietnamese official said Thursday. The company, however, said no final decision had been made.

“We received the application Wednesday and are considering it,” said the official at the Ministry of Planning and Investment who identified herself only as Vinh.

But Chuck Mulloy, an Intel spokesman, said the company was evaluating plans for new facilities but did not discuss those activities until a decision had been reached.

“We’ve said we’re looking at a number of facilities around the world for potential future assembly-test and other activities,” he said. “Over a year ago, we indicated Vietnam was on the list.... So was India and locations elsewhere in emerging markets.”

Mulloy added that it was not unusual to see “some activity” in potential host countries.

Vietnam encourages foreign firms to invest in high-tech industries. Intel’s project, if approved by the government and finalized by the company, would become the largest high-tech investment in the country.

The ministry official said a project of this size needed the consideration of several government ministries, and the prime minister would make the final decision. A license could be issued within 45 days, she added.

The state-controlled Youth newspaper reported Thursday that the plant would be built on 115 acres in a high-tech park in Ho Chi Minh City and would employ 2,000 people.