Technology: Vietnam’s foreign tech-investment agenda has promise but faces challenges, says APEX Group’s McElhaney

Vietnam’s Resolution 57 outlines an ambitious strategy to attract foreign tech investment through tax incentives, legal reforms, and workforce development, however, successful implementation faces a number of  challenges, Tyler McElhaney, Country Director at APEX Group has said in an article published by the Vietnam Investment Reviewview source.

These include:

  • Policy execution gaps: Inconsistent enforcement between central and local levels and legal ambiguities create investor uncertainty.
  • Intellectual property (IP) protection: Weak IP regimes and limited exit strategies may discourage venture capital and tech transfer.
  • Data governance: Balancing data sovereignty with openness is essential; Vietnam needs clear rules on data localisation and cross-border flows.
  • Talent constraints: Shortcomings in STEM education, brain drain, and administrative hurdles for foreign experts limit workforce readiness.
  • Fragmented ecosystem: Without strong coordination, digital initiatives risk fragmentation across ministries and provinces.
  • Sustainability demands: Global investors increasingly require ESG alignment; Vietnam must strengthen green tech infrastructure and regulatory frameworks.

Ultimately, McElhaney, whose APEX Group role involves advising global investors on market entry, structuring, and regulatory risks, notes that Vietnam’s vision positions it as a future regional tech hub. However, he argues that success will depend on addressing deep-rooted structural challenges, improving legal clarity, and ensuring cohesive policy implementation to secure long-term investor confidence.

See also: Technology in Vietnam 2025: Ecosystem, Startups, Key Players

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