With many positive changes in Vietnam’s investment environment, the country is considered an ideal business destination for foreign investors. In October, 1998, Asti Electronics Corporation (AEC, Japan) founded a manufacturing facility in Binh Duong, Vietnam.
AEC specializes in producing electronics equipment including wire harnesses for cars and motorcycles, printed circuit boards for washing machines, televisions, air-conditioners, plastic injection parts and many others. AEC’s performance over nearly 10 years has been steady, with increasing sales and ongoing efforts to streamline operations in Vietnam. The company now holds the trust of many famous corporations in Vietnam like Canon, Toshiba, Sanyo, Suzuki, Sony and Panasonic. AEC has successfully implemented the international quality standard ISO 9001. “We are now targeting our production system based on customers’ demands,” said Mr Hideharu Nakaaki, General Director of AEC.
To better serve its customers, in late 2006 AEC put into operation its second plant in Vinh Phuc, Northern Vietnam. The plant has an area of 8,541 square metres and employs more than 1,000 workers. The plant promises to cover the northern market segment and contribute to AEC’s export volume. AEC now exports 60 per cent of its products to Japan, the rest are for local use.
Although AEC has been on the right track of development, it still faces some difficulties. From early 2007, AEC, along with many foreign enterprises in HCMC and surrounding areas, were crippled with waves of strikes. “One of Vietnam’s advantages in attracting foreign investment is the labour force, this is vital for Vietnam’s economic development. Strikes happen everywhere in the world, but they are done legally. We at AEC focus on educating our workers, offering periodic professional training. Meanwhile, I suggest that authorities pay urgent attention to resolve this critical issue,” commented Nakaaki.
Apart from business, being a good corporate citizen is also a priority of AEC. Recently, the company offered 20 scholarships for poor students in the area, with total value of 40 million VND. This program will continue to be implemented in the years to come.
Vietnamese
