Pfizer Partners with VNVC to Advance Vaccine Manufacturing in Vietnam

On March 18, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, Pfizer Vietnam Co., Ltd. and Vietnam Vaccine Joint Stock Company (VNVC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on vaccine manufacturing. The ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen, U.S. Consul General Susan Burns, officials from the U.S. Consulate General in HCMC, and leaders from the Ministry of Health.

The partnership will facilitate knowledge sharing in high-quality vaccine production between Pfizer, a global pharmaceutical leader, and VNVC, reinforcing their commitment to advancing Vietnam’s healthcare ecosystem.

Under the agreement, Pfizer will support VNVC in enhancing expertise to establish a vaccine manufacturing facility in Vietnam that meets international standards. This initiative will allow VNVC to manufacture vaccines domestically, meeting local demands while targeting participation in the global vaccine supply chain. The collaboration focuses on transferring specialized knowledge and building shared capabilities in vaccine production.

Following the signing, Pfizer Vietnam will deploy top experts from around the world to conduct knowledge-sharing programs on vaccine manufacturing for VNVC’s highly qualified team at its Vaccine and Biologicals Factory.

Through this partnership, Pfizer Vietnam seeks to significantly contribute to improving the quality of Vietnam’s healthcare ecosystem, particularly by strengthening the capabilities of professionals in vaccine and pharmaceutical production.

For VNVC, this milestone marks significant progress in its strategy to produce "Made in Vietnam" vaccines meeting international standards through the development of a modern vaccine manufacturing facility and partnerships with leading global vaccine producers.

This strategy will drive investment in vaccine and biological production technologies. It aims to enhance Vietnam’s self-reliance in high-quality vaccines to serve its population. It also aims to position Vietnam in the global supply chain of high-quality vaccines, contributing to disease prevention and community health protection.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen highlighted the growing urgency of vaccine research, development, and production amid global infectious disease challenges. “The collaboration between VNVC and Pfizer is a pivotal moment, demonstrating Vietnam’s deepening integration and access to advanced technologies, particularly in building a sustainable ecosystem for new medicines and next-generation vaccines,” he stated.

He commended VNVC and research organizations for their relentless efforts in innovation to achieve self-sufficiency in vaccine solutions, ensuring a stable and high-quality supply. He noted that within just eight years, VNVC has established nearly 220 vaccination centers across various provinces and cities, including remote, mountainous, and underserved areas, enabling rapid and accessible vaccine delivery for the public.

Mr. Tuyen also emphasized VNVC’s efforts in building a highly skilled workforce, promoting clinical trial research, and establishing an internationally compliant quality management system. “These are critical factors for Vietnam to not only produce vaccines for domestic needs but also compete on the global stage,” he affirmed.

Mr. Nguyen Ngo Quang (Director of the Department of Science, Technology, and Training at the Ministry of Health), stated that vaccine technology transfer remains a significant challenge for Vietnam. In 2025, the Ministry plans to implement four breakthrough science and technology initiatives, including a project focused on vaccine production technology, particularly for next-generation vaccines.

He stressed that the Ministry will provide maximum support through policies, guidelines, and legal frameworks to enable corporations and enterprises to develop new-generation vaccines and collaborate with major global pharmaceutical companies. The Ministry also values Pfizer’s role in training Vietnam’s workforce, especially in research on next-generation vaccines, to support project implementation through 2030.

U.S. Consul General Susan Burns noted that the VNVC-Pfizer partnership is a significant milestone in the growing U.S.-Vietnam relationship, particularly as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and the second year of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. “This collaboration drives prosperity and innovation for both nations,” she emphasized.

US Consul General Susan Burns highlighted that the partnership between VNVC and Pfizer marks an important milestone in the growing relationship between the United States and Vietnam

Pfizer Vietnam General Director Darrell Oh, stated: “Pfizer is delighted to support VNVC in enhancing its expertise and capabilities to advance its initiative to build a world-class vaccine production facility. We believe in VNVC’s vision and potential to strengthen preventive healthcare in Vietnam. With Pfizer’s focus on innovation, we are committed to developing cutting-edge solutions and leveraging the latest scientific advancements in healthcare. We are confident that this collaboration will positively impact patients’ lives and Vietnam’s broader healthcare landscape.”

Mr. Ngo Chi Dung (Chairman and General Director of Vietnam Vaccine Joint Stock Company), emphasized that the partnership and knowledge-sharing with Pfizer mark a significant step for VNVC and Vietnam in accessing world-leading vaccine production technologies. This collaboration supports proactive measures to safeguard public health against infectious diseases.

He noted that the agreement opens opportunities for VNVC to learn modern vaccine production techniques from Pfizer, accelerating the production of high-quality vaccines using state-of-the-art global technologies. This will also position VNVC to explore technology transfers, meet domestic vaccination needs, and participate in the global supply chain of high-quality vaccines.

“This partnership not only enhances disease prevention for individuals and communities but also aligns with the goal of elevating preventive healthcare and vaccination quality. It supports the directive of the General Secretary for the healthcare sector and the objectives of Politburo Resolution 57 on breakthroughs in science and technology development,” Mr. Ngo Chi Dung stressed.

In January 2025, VNVC signed an agreement with Rieckermann Group (Germany) to design a vaccine manufacturing facility meeting the highest international standards for technology and environmental sustainability. With an investment of approximately VND 2,000 billion, the facility is located in Phu An Thanh Industrial Park, Long An. This plant represents a significant milestone in the sustainable development of Vietnam’s vaccination industry, contributing to the country’s self-reliance in vaccines, strengthening healthcare security, and enhancing the global competitiveness of Vietnam’s pharmaceutical sector.

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