Chinese Optical Tech Leader Zhongji Innolight Eyes $800 Million AI-Focused Factory in Vietnam

Chinese company Zhongji Innolight has proposed a major high-tech manufacturing project worth around 800 million dollars in Vietnam's Bac Ninh province.

The planned facility would sit in the Yen Phong II-A Industrial Park and span roughly 30 hectares of land.

Boosting Local Jobs and Tech Ambitions

Once running the site could employ about 20,000 workers and become the firm's largest operation in Southeast Asia.

Company representatives presented the idea during a meeting with provincial leaders including Chairman Pham Hoang Son.

Bac Ninh already hosts major electronics players such as Samsung and Luxshare making it a natural fit for advanced optical component production.

The move highlights growing interest from Chinese firms in shifting parts of their supply chains to Vietnam amid global diversification trends.

Power Needs and Long-Term Outlook

Project requirements include stable electricity up to 300 megawatts and significant water supply which tests the province's existing 3,300 megawatt capacity.

Success here could draw more foreign investment into Vietnam's high-tech sectors and strengthen its role in the global AI hardware ecosystem.

Optical transceivers like those made by the company are essential for fast data movement in data centers powering today's AI boom.

Over time this investment may help local workers gain skills in advanced manufacturing while supporting Vietnam's goal of moving up the value chain beyond basic assembly.

Industry watchers see such projects as signals of sustained growth in Southeast Asia's electronics industry for years ahead.