Tim Cook, CEO of US tech giant Apple. Photo: Kien An/VOV

Apple will boost its connection with local suppliers, clean water projects and education opportunities, Cook was quoted as saying on his arrival.

Apple said Monday it would increase spending on suppliers in Vietnam, a key production hub, as CEO Tim Cook arrived in the country for a visit.

According to Apple's announcement, this year it will expand its vocational training program for people with disabilities to promote integration and provide greater opportunities for them in the supply chain.

Apple will expand programs in the 50 million USD Supplier Employee Development Fund with increased investments in Vietnamese suppliers.

Since 2019, the tech giant has spent 15.9 billion USD through the local supply chain and has more than doubled its annual spending to Vietnam.

Apple began its operations in Vietnam more than a decade ago and has helped create more than 200,000 jobs across the country through direct employment, supply chain and iOS app economy.