Resilience of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Vietnam: A 2025 Overview
Foreign direct investment (FDI) is a vital element of economic development, acting as both a catalyst for growth and a barometer of international confidence in a country’s economy. In 2025, Vietnam demonstrated remarkable resilience in attracting FDI, with newly registered capital surpassing USD 38.4 billion—a slight increase of 0.5% compared to the previous year. This article delves into the notable aspects of Vietnam’s FDI landscape throughout the year, illustrating the sectors that thrived and the dynamics behind the numbers.
Steady Growth in FDI Registration
The statistics released by the National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Finance indicates a steady inflow of FDI, despite global uncertainties. The year saw the licensing of 4,054 new FDI projects, showcasing a robust increase of 20.1% in the number of newly registered projects compared to 2024. However, it’s interesting to note that the total registered capital for these projects dipped by 12.2%. This divergence suggests that while investor interest is high, some projects may be tightening their budgets or adapting to changing market conditions.
Sector-wise Attractiveness of FDI
Among various sectors, manufacturing and processing stood out as the primary attraction for foreign investors, garnering USD 9.8 billion, which accounted for 56.5% of the total newly registered capital. This sector’s growth reflects a sustained demand for manufacturing capabilities amid an increasingly competitive global market.
Real estate followed closely, drawing nearly USD 3.7 billion, making up 21.2% of the FDI influx. This increase in investments in real estate indicates a growing confidence in Vietnam’s property market, emphasizing its potential for profitability and expansion.
Other sectors collectively saw investments amounting to approximately USD 3.85 billion, illustrating a diversified interest from foreign investors across various industries.
Disbursement Trends
In 2025, disbursed FDI reached an estimated USD 27.6 billion, marking a 9% increase from the previous year and the highest level recorded in the last five years. This rise in disbursement is a positive indicator of capital utilization, reflecting foreign investors’ commitment to ongoing projects and operations within Vietnam.
Ongoing projects also demonstrated responsiveness to evolving economic conditions. A total of 1,404 existing projects received approvals for capital adjustments, adding USD 14.1 billion to their initial investments. This adaptability showcases the willingness of foreign investors to enhance and scale their operations in Vietnam, contributing significantly to the overall economic growth.
Contributions Through Capital and Share Purchases
The year also witnessed considerable activity in terms of capital contributions and share purchases by foreign investors, with 3,587 transactions valued at over USD 7 billion. This represented a substantial increase of 54.8% compared to 2024. Notably, 1,305 of these transactions led to increases in the charter capital of domestic enterprises, injecting USD 2.55 billion into local businesses.
Manufacturing and processing again took the lead in capital contributions, amassing USD 2.4 billion and constituting 34.6% of the total. Professional, scientific, and technological activities followed, attracting USD 1.3 billion. This trend illustrates the diversification of foreign investment, particularly in more innovative and tech-driven sectors.
The International Landscape of Investment
Vietnam’s appeal as an investment destination is reflected in its diversified pool of foreign investors. In 2025, a total of 90 countries and territories engaged in newly licensed projects, with Singapore emerging as the largest investor, contributing over USD 4.8 billion—27.9% of the total newly registered capital.
China ranked second with USD 3.6 billion, followed by Hong Kong, Japan, and Sweden. The varied geographic representation of investors demonstrates Vietnam’s strategic importance in the Asian economic landscape and its ability to attract diversified foreign capital.
Conclusion Remarks
The data from 2025 paints a promising picture of Vietnam’s FDI climate. With its strong manufacturing base, rising real estate market, and increasingly attractive investment conditions, Vietnam is positioning itself as a formidable player in the global economic arena. The resilience demonstrated by foreign investors amidst fluctuations in global markets suggests a bright future for the nation’s economic prospects.