Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Mr. Nick Clegg, President of Global Affairs at Meta in Hanoi on September 30.

At the meeting, the Prime Minister spoke highly of the US-based technology multinational’s practical and effective contributions to the Vietnamese economy as well as the two countries' relations.

Reviewing the development of bilateral ties between Vietnam and the US, the PM noted that his meeting with Mr. Clegg coincided with the first anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the US.

PM Chinh emphasised that Vietnam views the US as an important partner and wishes to continue deepening relations, with economy - trade - investment identified as an impetus for bilateral links.

In particular, the cooperation in science - technology, innovation, and high-tech industries, including semiconductor, form an important pillar of the Vietnam - US relations, according to the PM.

Reaffirming Vietnam's commitment to fostering a conducive environment for US businesses, the PM noted that the successes of US companies are also the country's.

Praising Vietnam’s investment climate and remarkable economic progress over the past four decades, Mr. Clegg shared Meta’s cooperation plan in Vietnam, which includes initiatives on virtual reality, next-generation smart glasses production, and the development of virtual assistant Meta AI in the Vietnamese language.

Meta will expand production of Quest 3s to Vietnam next year, which is expected to create 1,000 jobs in the country, Mr. Clegg told the PM.

According to Mr. Clegg, a Quest 3s headset has the same mixed reality capabilities and fast performance as Meta Quest 3, but at a lower price point; and Quest 3s is the best headset for those new to mixed reality and immersive experiences, or who might have been waiting for a low-cost upgrade from Quest and Quest 2.

He also expressed Meta’s hope that the PM will order related ministries, sectors, and agencies of Vietnam to continue perfecting the legal framework to create an optimal business environment and developing infrastructure, especially digital infrastructure, to facilitate future growth.

Meanwhile, PM Chinh asked the firm to keep collaborating with Vietnamese agencies and partners, especially the Vietnam National Innovation Centre, to promote cooperation in science - technology, education - training, innovation, AI, and Internet of Things (IoT), and help local businesses, organisations, and individuals to engage in the value chain, along with online platforms and apps of Meta.

Welcoming Meta's operation expansion in the country, the Government leader called for its stronger coordination with local authorities in preventing toxic information, the advertising of illegal services and online fraud, devising measures for protecting social media users, and adhering to local law, including tax rules.

The PM also highlighted Vietnam’s focus on three strategic breakthroughs, namely institutional reforms, human resources development, and infrastructure modernization, with an emphasis on digital infrastructure. Given this, he encouraged Meta to work closely with Vietnam in implementing these priorities and operate efficiently in the country in the long term.