Tamil Nadu Wins Big: VinFast CEO Hails State's Potential For Fast EV Investments

Vietnamese Electric Vehicle Manufacturer VinFast cited strong policy support and administrative efficiency as key reasons for choosing Tamil Nadu to set up its EV manufacturing facility, with company executives praising the state’s investment climate at the NDTV Tamil Nadu Summit on Friday.

Speaking at the summit, Pham Sanh Chau, Managing Director and CEO of Vingroup Asia, said VinFast identified significant potential in Tamil Nadu, prompting a swift decision to establish a factory in Tuticorin. Chau said the company was able to scout land, engage with the state government, and finalise its investment plans within a matter of months due to proactive governance and streamlined processes.

Detailing the timeline, Chau said VinFast completed site scouting within a month, followed by discussions with the Tamil Nadu government that led to a quick investment decision. A memorandum of understanding was signed within the next month, after which construction began immediately. He added that the factory was completed in about 15 months, highlighting the speed at which large-scale industrial projects can be executed in the state.

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Other industry leaders echoed similar views during the panel discussion. K. Moses, Managing Director of Allison Transmission, said his company’s two-decade presence in Tamil Nadu has been supported by consistent policy backing and facilitation by Guidance Tamil Nadu, the state’s investment promotion agency. He noted that the agency’s responsiveness and follow-up have played a crucial role in enabling business expansion.

Moses described the Guidance Tamil Nadu team as highly proactive, citing instances of officials engaging with investors beyond regular working hours to resolve issues. He said this level of commitment has reinforced investor confidence and encouraged companies to expand their footprint in the state.

Darez Ahamed, Managing Director and CEO of Guidance Tamil Nadu said the state’s key strengths lie in its skilled workforce, robust infrastructure, and logistical advantages. He added that Tamil Nadu focuses on delivering strong returns on investment through support for research and development, ecosystem building, and employment generation, which remains a central priority in the state’s investment strategy.

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