Vietnam says Samsung seeks renewable energy help at key tech hub

Country is company's global phone hub, but pushes for more supply chain access

Half of Samsung Electronics' global smartphone shipments are made in Vietnam and it has set up its biggest research center in Southeast Asia in the country, but the government wants the company to play an even bigger role. © AP

LIEN HOANG, Nikkei staff writer

May 3, 2021 21:28 JST

Updated on May 7, 2021 19:10 JST

HO CHI MINH CITY -- Samsung and Vietnam are swapping requests: The South Korean electronics giant -- the single-biggest source of exports from Vietnam -- has asked the government for a renewable-energy pilot project, while the Southeast Asian country wants the company to help local businesses join its supply chain.

Vietnam's trade ministry said it hosted a visit last week by Choi Joo Ho, the general director of Samsung Vietnam, which accounts for half of the smartphones shipped globally by the company. Samsung, which faces pressure to ditch reliance on coal, sought government support to buy renewable energy directly from producers.