Meta Expands Operations in Vietnam, Generating Over 1,000 Jobs
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, announced on Tuesday that it will manufacture its next-generation virtual and augmented reality headsets in Vietnam, a move that will create more than 1,000 jobs. The announcement comes as Vietnam seeks to augment its appeal as a prime location for investment by global industry giants and a crucial part of the international supply chain.
A Boost for Vietnam’s Economy and Global Standing
At a recent tech conference in Hanoi, Nick Clegg, Meta’s global affairs president, shared the company’s plans to concentrate on the production of the Quest 3S headset in Vietnam. “We will, with our local partners, be manufacturing them here in Vietnam, and we estimate that this will create well over 1,000 new jobs,” he said.
Long known as a low-cost destination for manufacturing clothes, shoes, and furniture, Communist Vietnam is now setting its sights on moving up the global supply chain. The country recently announced plans for a significant $1.5 billion investment by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
Meetings with Global Tech Giants
Last month, Vietnam’s top leader, To Lam, traveled to New York to meet with executives from Apple, Meta, and IT firm Supermicro. He also met with President Joe Biden, a year after the US leader’s high-profile state visit to Vietnam aimed at enhancing diplomatic and trade ties.
Focus on the Lucrative Chip Industry
Vietnam is particularly interested in developing its capabilities in the profitable chip industry. Global supply chain disruptions and concerns about US reliance on China for key resources have stimulated investment in this sector.
Facebook, owned by Meta, is widely used in Vietnam. Clegg stated that the country is among the global leaders in utilizing its Messenger platform “not just to send messages to family and friends, but actually communicate with businesses and so foster trade and commerce across the country”.
Facebook’s Controversial Role in Vietnam
However, Facebook has faced criticism from human rights groups in recent years for blocking content deemed illegal by the Vietnamese government. Facebook serves as a popular platform for activists in Vietnam, where all independent media is banned.
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