Vietnam’s Prime Minister Highlights Automotive Industry Development with Skoda Auto

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Skoda Auto’s Klaus Zellmer to discuss expanding Vietnam’s automotive industry, emphasizing the need for diversity in vehicle production and localization. Chinh highlighted improvements in technology and infrastructure, while Zellmer expressed strong support for the collaboration aiming for a sustainable automotive ecosystem.

On March 27, in Hanoi, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Klaus Zellmer, Chairman and CEO of Skoda Auto. He expressed his desire for Skoda Auto to contribute to the development of Vietnam’s automotive industry by manufacturing a diverse range of vehicles, engines, and components, thereby using Vietnam as a strategic base for expansion in Southeast Asia.

Prime Minister Chinh noted the importance of the official opening of the Thanh Cong Viet Hung auto plant on March 26, which he considered a significant milestone in Vietnam-Czech Republic cooperation. He also highlighted the recent elevation of the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, marking a new phase in their collaboration.

The Prime Minister emphasized Vietnam’s commitment to enhancing local production rates and technological advancement, particularly in the automotive sector, ensuring a green transition and prioritizing electric vehicles. He reaffirmed the Vietnamese Government’s support for businesses, fostering an environment conducive to investment through effective communication and cooperation.

To that end, Chinh encouraged Skoda Auto to diversify its product offerings, including railcars and commercial vehicles, and to explore partnerships that would integrate Vietnamese firms into the larger Skoda and Volkswagen supply chains. Additionally, he urged for vehicles that meet Southeast Asian market demands and consumer preferences.

Regarding the role of heavy industry, Chinh underlined the critical contributions of Thanh Cong Group and suggested that Skoda Auto transfer advanced technology, establish smart production lines, and develop workforce training in metallurgy and mechanical engineering.

Klaus Zellmer outlined Skoda Auto’s impressive global presence, as part of the Volkswagen Group since 1991, with a focus on electric vehicle development and strategy. He noted the significance of their 2022 agreement with the Thanh Cong Group, which aims for increased localization and modernization in Vietnam’s auto industry.

Zellmer concurred with the Prime Minister’s proposals and expressed enthusiasm for contributing to Vietnam’s automotive ecosystem. He called for sustained upgrades to Vietnam’s infrastructure to support the auto industry’s growth in the long term.

The meeting between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Klaus Zellmer of Skoda Auto signals a strong commitment to developing Vietnam’s automotive industry. With efforts to localize production, enhance technological capabilities, and diversify offerings, both parties are poised for significant collaborative growth. The focus on sustainable practices and infrastructure development reflects a strategic vision for the automotive sector’s future.

Original Source: en.vietnamplus.vn