US tech giant Apple considers Vietnam a key country in its business strategy, Apple CEO Tim Cook said during a meeting with State President Vo Van Thuong on the afternoon of November 15 (local time) in San Francisco.

Recognizing Vietnam’s rapidly-developing digital economy, Mr. Cook noted that many leading global electronics and technology companies, including those from the US, are increasingly investing in Vietnam, which possesses a highly-skilled workforce of engineers and tech professionals. A large number of Apple products are actually manufactured in the country, such as MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watches.

He suggested that Vietnam continue to enhance its system of standards for implementing 5G technology and to actively improve its legal framework to develop its digital economy, while ensuring the security, safety, and privacy of users. Like many other countries, it should also carefully consider various factors in the application and development of AI.

Appreciating Apple expanding its business operations in Vietnam, President Thuong said he believes that Apple’s product ecosystem has presented many opportunities for young Vietnamese to engage with and use high-tech devices in their daily lives and at work.

Emphasizing the recently-elevated Vietnam-US comprehensive strategic partnership, the President sees it as a significant opportunity for Apple to substantially expand its investment activities in Vietnam, particularly in the high-tech sector, which is a priority area for the country.

He affirmed that the State and government are open, receptive, and appreciative of feedback from businesses and investors, and is committed to continually enhancing mechanisms and policies in order to improve its investment and business environment.

Vietnam is upgrading telecommunications standards, striving to improve the legal framework for digital economic development, and studying its digital infrastructure and workforce training. President Thuong suggested that Apple support Vietnam in this regard, hoping it would promote investment in dynamic and rapidly-developing cities and provinces around the country and take part in developing and implementing 5G technology.