To Lam, Vietnam's Party chief, asks U.S. to support investment in data centers, power grids and other infrastructure

[HANOI, Vietnam—Correspondent Kim Jun-seok] To Lam, Vietnam's General Secretary and President, who is visiting the United States, met with the acting director of USTDA and asked for support during the investment preparation stage for key infrastructure projects in Vietnam, including energy, power grids, data centers and logistics.
According to local media reports on the 23rd, To Lam, Vietnam's General Secretary and President, said during a meeting with Thomas R. Hardy, acting director of USTDA, in New York on the 21st that he highly valued the cooperation USTDA had pursued with Vietnam in various fields, including energy, power grids, aviation, smart cities and digital infrastructure. He added that these programs had enabled Vietnam to gain access to U.S. technology, management expertise and advanced solutions.
"Vietnam has entered a new stage of development in which demand for strategic infrastructure is rising sharply, and these are areas where the United States has strengths and USTDA has suitable support tools," To Lam emphasized. He proposed that USTDA work with relevant Vietnamese ministries and companies to select strategic projects with significant impact and provide focused support. Priority areas included energy and power grids, digital infrastructure, data centers, aviation, ports, logistics and modern transportation systems.
To Lam also said, "I expect USTDA to serve as a 'guide' from the project preparation stage, helping Vietnam gain early access to U.S. technology, management standards and resources while strengthening connections between major U.S. technology, financial and infrastructure companies and their Vietnamese partners." He also called for attention to high-value-added emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure, smart grids, energy security and green-transition solutions.
In response, Thomas R. Hardy, acting director of USTDA, said, "USTDA recognizes Vietnam as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region." He also explained, "USTDA is ready to work with relevant Vietnamese ministries and agencies to identify suitable projects and mobilize support tools for project preparation."
He also said the agency would provide support throughout the entire process, from feasibility studies, technical preparation and pilot projects to the point at which projects are ready for financing and full-scale implementation.
"If Vietnam's enormous infrastructure development needs are combined with U.S. technological and management capabilities and high-quality solutions, many new opportunities will be created to expand cooperation between the two countries," Hardy, the acting director, added.
[email protected] Correspondent Vu Thi Tien Reporter