Intel is denying claims that it has agreed to build a new $605m chip assembly plant in Vietnam. 

The Associated Press and Reuters press agencies reported on Thursday that the chip maker has received a licence to build a plant in Ho Chi Minh City.

While the stories do not claim that an actual plant will be built, they do mention a projected investment of $605m and quoted government officials who spoke about the project as if it were a done deal.

"We are constantly looking at opportunities around the world, but at this point in time have not made any announcements about new facilities," Intel spokeswoman Agnes Kwan told vnunet.com. 

While Kwan declined to further comment on the case, it appears that Vietnamese authorities have spoken too early and interpreted the award of the licence as a confirmation of the actual investment.

Alternatively it could be that Intel just wants to save its thunder until an official ceremony later this month.

An Intel investment in the nation would be politically significant as relations between the US and Vietnam have only recently been restored.

It could also attract investments from other multinationals now that Vietnam is eager to attract high tech companies to spark economic growth.