Nokia leaders visit the company's new factory in Viet Nam. This is the Finnish giant's first cellphone manufacturing factory in the country. — VNS Photo

Stephen Elop, vice president of Devices and Service at Nokia world-wide, said the inauguration ceremony marked 17 years since its first activities in the Vietnamese market.

The Nokia exec also affirmed the company was committed to working closely with the local government and run a business to bring leading mobile experiences to Viet Nam.

Nokia said it will set up manufacturing plant in northern Bac Ninh Province as a model for the company's other international activities. The Finnish mobile firm also said it's Vietnamese factory was part of its efforts to build a globally competitive workforce.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Dang Huy Dong acknowledged that Nokia's investment in Viet Nam had contributed to developing the tech industry in Viet Nam and that the country was committed to becoming an important manufacturing hub in the region.

Dong also said that the plant would help boost Viet Nam's production capabilities in the region.

Vinod Muralidharan, General Manager at Nokia Viet Nam, said they were very proud to officially introduce a new member to Nokia's global production network.

Nokia's Viet Nam factory affirms its strategic and sustainable position in Viet Nam, which is fast becoming known as a hub for multinational corporations wanting to expand into Asia.

Nokia said the factory would play a key role in Nokia's regional operations, as well as provide training and human resource development for workers at the Bac Ninh Province facility.

Nokia's US$302 million facility in Bac Ninh Province spans a total area of 65,400 sq.metre and is located in the Viet Nam – Singapore Industrial Zone (VSIP).

Earlier this year, in May, the Nokia factory officially sold and export its first finished products. — VNS