At International Manufacturing Congress 2026 (IMC 2026), Mr. Koh Eng Meng, representing Boustead & KTG Industrial, joined a high-level panel discussion alongside industrial park developers, consultancy representatives from Deep C and JLL, and other market stakeholders.
Under the theme “Site Selection Strategies and Risk Management in Vietnam”, the discussion focused on factors influencing manufacturing investment decisions, from infrastructure capacity and supply chain connectivity to factory implementation timelines and the role of local partners.
These insights provide useful reference points for international businesses considering establishing or expanding their manufacturing operations in Vietnam.
Representatives of Boustead & KTG Industrial at the high-level panel discussion of International Manufacturing Congress 2026
Site selection strategies and risk management in manufacturing in Vietnam
For manufacturing businesses, investment location decisions are no longer based solely on geographical location or rental costs.
In practice, the capacity of technical infrastructure, operational stability, supply chain connectivity, factory implementation timelines, and local partners’ understanding of the market are key factors that directly affect the efficiency and stability of the entire process of bringing a factory into operation.
At IMC 2026, the panel discussion focused on four factors influencing manufacturing site selection decisions in Vietnam, helping businesses identify operational requirements and proactively assess risks from the early stages of investment.
Ensuring infrastructure and logistics resilience
One of the most important prerequisites for maintaining uninterrupted manufacturing operations is a thorough assessment of the resilience of infrastructure systems and logistics networks.
Investors need to pay particular attention to the reliability of electricity supply, seamless connectivity with multimodal transport networks serving seaports, and the availability of clean energy sources.
Carefully reviewing these infrastructure conditions across the two key industrial corridors in northern and southern Vietnam will help businesses establish a solid foundation for accurately determining how well each location meets their actual operational requirements and long-term development objectives.
Optimizing supply chains through local supplier ecosystems
Beyond technical infrastructure, connectivity with regional Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers is a strategic consideration for manufacturing businesses.
A strong domestic supplier network creates significant opportunities for businesses to optimize local procurement operations.
Implementing this strategy effectively not only improves cost efficiency but also serves as a buffer against disruptions, substantially reducing dependence on imported supplies and protecting supply chains from unexpected fluctuations in global markets.
Accelerating project implementation and factory commissioning
For manufacturers, bringing facilities into commercial operation as early as possible is a top priority for accelerating capital recovery and capturing business opportunities.
Manufacturing facility development requires businesses to focus on streamlining and accurately completing administrative licensing procedures, securing all necessary environmental approvals, and adapting building structures to meet specific production requirements.
Close coordination across legal, technical, and construction activities helps businesses minimize preparation time, accelerate project implementation, and bring factories into operation according to schedule.
Selecting local partners with market and regulatory expertise
For foreign businesses entering the Vietnamese market for the first time, selecting and working with a local partner that has extensive project development expertise through a joint venture model is considered a key factor in shortening the investment process.
A local partner’s understanding of land legislation, the specific characteristics of the local labor market, and stringent administrative compliance requirements enables foreign businesses to adapt more quickly while responding more proactively and flexibly to emerging legal and operational challenges.
KTG Industrial supports FDI enterprises in establishing manufacturing operations in Vietnam
KTG Industrial develops industrial infrastructure integrated with logistics connectivity
KTG Industrial develops a network of ready-built factories in Vietnam’s key economic regions, where manufacturing activities are concentrated and regional transport networks provide connectivity between major economic centers.
Project locations provide access to airports, seaports, and major industrial and consumption hubs, including Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Bac Ninh, Hanoi, Hung Yen, Hai Phong, and Thai Nguyen.
Beyond location advantages, KTG Industrial’s projects prioritize technical infrastructure for manufacturing operations, including power supply systems, wastewater treatment, and rooftop solar power. These features help businesses assess how well factory facilities align with their operational needs, technical requirements, and sustainable development objectives.
KTG Industrial’s ready-built factories at VSIP Bac Ninh II, an industrial park with connectivity to manufacturing and logistics hubs in Northern Vietnam
KTG Industrial supports businesses in accelerating factory implementation
In addition to selecting a location, FDI enterprises need to coordinate with multiple stakeholders to finalize designs, complete administrative procedures, and prepare facilities before commencing factory operations.
Choosing an industrial facility developer that can coordinate effectively and understands tenants’ requirements can help streamline this process.
KTG Industrial has established a cooperation network with industrial park developers and local stakeholders, while applying its understanding of the Vietnamese market throughout project development. This enables businesses to discuss factory options, consider design adjustments to meet production needs, and coordinate with relevant parties to address issues arising during implementation.
KTG Industrial supports businesses throughout operations
KTG Industrial’s ability to support tenants is also reflected in feedback from businesses currently leasing its factories. These accounts offer insights into the company’s coordination capabilities, responsiveness, and understanding of tenant needs throughout the partnership.
Mr. Kim Young Bo, Director of Kostat Vina, shared:
“KTG Industrial has helped us a lot by working with us on the design and handling permits. They provide excellent services in terms of facilities and location. We have gained recognition from many foreign customers and have started production and shipping at the KTG Industrial factory.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Ricardo Gomes, Factory Operations Manager at Framas, commented:
“KTG Industrial is very proactive, responsive, and understands our needs, as well as addressing our requests. We have found KTG Industrial to be the right partner for developing a new site. We hope this partnership will continue for a long time.”
These testimonials highlight the importance of coordination and the ability to meet tenant requirements throughout the development of industrial facilities. For FDI enterprises seeking manufacturing locations in Vietnam, these are also important considerations alongside location, infrastructure, and rental costs.
Conclusion
Discussions at International Manufacturing Congress 2026 highlighted that manufacturing investment decisions in Vietnam require consideration of multiple factors, from infrastructure and supply chain capabilities to implementation timelines and local partners’ understanding of the market.
With its network of local connections, experience in developing industrial facilities, and positive feedback from tenants, KTG Industrial is well positioned to continue supporting FDI enterprises as they search for suitable locations and prepare their manufacturing facilities. These practical considerations are important when businesses develop long-term investment and operational plans in Vietnam.
