Vietnam continues to be a destination for foreign investors

7 months, attracted more than 24 billion USD of FDI capital

According to data from the General Statistics Office ( Ministry of Finance ), the total foreign investment capital registered in Vietnam as of July 31, 2025, including newly registered capital, adjusted registered capital and capital contribution and share purchase value of foreign investors, reached 24.09 billion USD, an increase of 27.3% over the same period last year.

Of which, 2,254 projects were licensed with newly registered capital reaching 10.03 billion USD, up 15.2% over the same period last year in terms of number of projects and down 11.1% in terms of registered capital.

920 licensed projects from previous years registered to adjust investment capital by an additional 9.99 billion USD, up 95.3% over the same period last year.

If including newly registered capital and adjusted registered capital of licensed projects from previous years, foreign direct investment capital registered in the processing and manufacturing industry reached 12.12 billion USD, accounting for 60.6% of the total newly registered and increased capital.

Thang Long Industrial Park in Hanoi . Photo: QT

Notably, in the past 7 months, foreign direct investment capital implemented in Vietnam is estimated at 13.6 billion USD, up 8.4% over the same period last year. This is the highest amount of foreign direct investment capital implemented in 7 months in the past 5 years. Of which, the processing and manufacturing industry reached 11.1 billion USD, accounting for 81.6%.

Vice President of the Association of Foreign Investment Enterprises (VAFIE) Nguyen Van Toan assessed that the above results are positive in the context of many fluctuations in the world since the beginning of 2025, such as geopolitical conflicts, tariff tensions...

FDI capital realized in the first 7 months increased by 8.4% compared to the same period last year, proving that investment commitments are being realized regularly. In particular, the processing and manufacturing industry accounted for 81.6% of total FDI capital realized, affirming Vietnam's role as a strategic node in the regional supply chain. This is an important advantage that helps Vietnam attract capital flows shifting away from traditional markets in the context of global enterprises diversifying production.

According to expert Dr. Dang Thao Quyen, Senior Dean of the Department of International Business (RMIT University Vietnam), the above results of Vietnam are very remarkable. These are impressive figures, reflecting the strong attractiveness and ability to maintain the attractiveness of Vietnam to foreign investors. This also reflects the increasing confidence of foreign investors in the investment environment in Vietnam.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Toan, there are many reasons for attracting FDI capital to achieve positive results. Notably, the world views Vietnam's institutional reforms in a positive way.

Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private economic development; Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation and national digital transformation; Resolution 59-NQ/TW on international integration in the new situation; Resolution No. 66-NQ/TW on innovation in law-making and enforcement to meet the requirements of national development in the new era have initially had a positive impact on the FDI enterprise sector, creating confidence in attracting and retaining foreign investors.

In addition, the process of streamlining the organization and apparatus, especially the two-tier local government model, if implemented properly, will not only improve the investment environment, but also contribute to repositioning Vietnam's FDI map, aiming to attract high-quality capital flows, advanced technology and environmental friendliness.

In addition, in recent times, Vietnam has also promoted the construction of the transportation system, especially highways, creating a better investment environment and ecosystem.

Need to retain investors and attract more high-quality FDI

However, in the context of geopolitical and global trade instability, according to experts, retaining existing investors and attracting more high-quality FDI is a strategic task for Vietnam. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive approach is needed, based on pillars such as transparent institutions, modern infrastructure and high-quality human resources.

Expert, Dr. Dang Thao Quyen, believes that institutional reform and improving local management capacity are key factors. The implementation of the two-tier local government model from July 2025 is an opportunity to clearly decentralize, reduce administrative procedures and increase transparency.

Localities need to proactively develop their own FDI attraction strategies, linked to regional and industry development plans. At the same time, the central government needs to have an overall strategic policy that synthesizes the unique advantages of each locality, limiting competition and instead allowing for mutual complementarity and support.

In addition, it is necessary to develop synchronous infrastructure and new-generation industrial parks. According to the Ministry of Finance, many industrial parks are currently operating inefficiently or have not attracted secondary investors. Vietnam needs to optimize land funds, invest in technical infrastructure and support services, especially logistics and clean energy, to meet the requirements of high-tech investors.

The protection and development of the workforce also needs attention. Expert, Dr. Dang Thao Quyen, acknowledged that some FDI enterprises still take advantage of cheap labor without investing in training, putting pressure on the state budget and limiting knowledge transfer.

“Vietnam needs to have policies to encourage businesses to invest in training, while protecting workers’ rights to create a foundation for long-term growth. We also need to focus on training and developing quality human resources, especially in high-tech fields, with the mindset and skills of global citizens to meet the needs of FDI companies,” the expert emphasized.

Many experts believe that it is necessary to shift from a strategy of attracting FDI based on quantity to quality, prioritizing projects with high added value, environmental friendliness, the ability to transfer technology and connect with domestic enterprises.

At the same time, the Government supports domestic enterprises, encouraging them to cooperate with foreign investors, through the provision of support services, logistics and supply chains, to create a strong business ecosystem.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/viet-nam-tiep-tuc-la-diem-den-cua-nha-dau-tu-nuoc-ngoai-713331.html