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Tech giant Apple said on Monday it would increase spending on suppliers in Vietnam, a key manufacturing hub, as Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook arrived in the country for a two-day visit.
The iPhone maker announced the news in a statement on its website, but gave no details about how much it would cost or where the money would go.
According to VnExpress, Cook will meet with programmers, content creators and students during his visit.
The visit comes as US President Joe Biden’s administration seeks to strengthen Vietnam’s role in global technology supply chains to reduce US dependence on China.
Images posted on the VnExpress news site showed Cook strolling along the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake in downtown Hanoi.
“Hello, Vietnam. I’m so excited to be here today. I can’t wait to meet all the developers and creators in our community,” the Apple chief said in a video posted on the news site. Stated.
According to an Apple statement, the company has spent nearly VND400 trillion ($16 billion) through its local supply chain since 2019, with annual spending in Vietnam more than doubling over the same period.
“From working with local suppliers to supporting clean water projects and educational opportunities, we remain committed to continuing to strengthen our connections in Vietnam,” Cook said in a statement.
Last week, more than 60 environmental and human rights groups called on the US-based company to oppose the detention of climate change activists in Vietnam.
