[UPDATED] Apple Finalizing Plans to Open $1bn Data Center in Da Nang

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August 10, 2016

[UPDATE] On August 11, Chairman Huynh Duc Tho of the Da Nang People's Committee informed reporters that Apple, Inc. has not confirmed plans to construct a US$1 billion data center in the central city, reports VietnamNet. According to municipal officials, the information provided at an August 4 meeting on Da Nang's foreign direct investment was misrepresented in local media reports; there have been no final plans made to set up a data center in Da Nang.

Apple’s relationship with Vietnam is getting more serious as the US tech giant mulls plans to establish a database center in Da Nang.

Last Thursday, the People’s Committee of Da Nang held a meeting discussing the city’s current Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) situation, reports BizLive. It was revealed during the event that Apple, Inc. is looking to build a new data center in Da Nang Hi-Tech Park. This information was originally included in an announcement on the city’s government portal, but the post was quickly taken down on Friday morning, according to the news source.

Last March, the tech giant made national news after announcing its plan to channel as much as US$1 billion into opening a database center in Vietnam that would focus on Asia. The center will concentrate on research and development to boost Apple’s competitiveness in the country’s tech industry.

At the time, it was also suggested that the new facility would be based in Hanoi, but Da Nang authorities have recently confirmed that the city emerged as the final choice for the development, reports CafeF. If things go according to plan, Apple’s representatives will pay a visit to the central hub later this August to reveal their official decision.

Last October, Apple quietly established an official presence in Vietnam by registering its subsidiary, Apple Vietnam LLC, in Saigon. The American firm still hasn’t opened any flagship outlets in the country, although the situation seems to be changing. According to a headhunting company, Apple is reportedly seeking to fill vacancies for an iPhone distribution director and an iOS retail director in Vietnam, signaling the prospect of an official Apple store in the near future. Currently, fans of the brand can only acquire its products officially through two licensed local retailers, FPT and The Gioi Di Dong.