Strong Growth in Disbursement Reflects a Positive Restructuring of Investment
In 2025, while many countries grappled with a global decline in foreign direct investment (FDI), Vietnam stood out as a beacon of stability and growth. The total registered capital—encompassing new investments, adjustments, and capital contributions—surpassed a remarkable 38.4 billion USD, marking a modest increase of 0.5% from the previous year. This resilience in attracting foreign capital underscores Vietnam’s evolving investment landscape.
Foreign-invested projects in the country reported a notable disbursement of 27.6 billion USD, which reflects a robust year-on-year increase of 9%. This figure represents the highest level of disbursement recorded in the past five years, signaling a shift in the confidence levels of international investors amid a backdrop of fluctuating global market conditions.
According to data from the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Finance, the details surrounding investment flows paint a mixed, yet positive picture. Although newly registered FDI experienced a downturn of 12.2% compared to 2024, adjusted capital saw a slight increase of 0.8%. Meanwhile, equity contributions and share purchases skyrocketed by an impressive 54.8%. This reflects a growing trend where existing investors are amplifying their stakes rather than new entrants launching fresh projects, influenced by cautious market conditions globally.
Dr. Nguyen Quoc Viet, a public policy expert at the University of Economics under the Vietnam National University in Hanoi, sheds light on these developments. He suggests that the substantial increase in disbursed capital, particularly in support of ongoing projects, serves as a testament to the sustained confidence of international investors in the Vietnamese market. According to him, this trend indicates a qualitative shift not only in production but also in the broader economic framework of the country.
Significantly, in 2025, new FDI predominantly flowed into the processing and manufacturing sectors. High-tech industries such as semiconductors, electronics, and electrical equipment emerged as the leading beneficiaries, accounting for over 80% of the total FDI. These sectors are essential drivers of Vietnam’s growth, responsible for approximately 78% of the country’s export turnover, promising to lay a solid foundation for sustainable economic expansion in the future.
Macroeconomic indicators further illustrate the confidence investors have in Vietnam. Industrial production remained robust, showcasing a notable surge of 9.9% in the last quarter of 2025, while the processing and manufacturing sector alone expanded by nearly 11%. Additionally, the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rebounded significantly in the closing months of the year, signaling that optimism among investors has nearly eclipsed concerns related to global trade risks and reciprocal tariffs.
Vietnam has shown an unwavering commitment to maintaining its macroeconomic stability, characterized by controlled exchange rates, a measured inflation rate of around 3.3%—well below the National Assembly’s target—and a trade turnover surpassing 930 billion USD. These elements collectively bolster Vietnam’s reputation as a secure and appealing destination for foreign investments.
The country’s determination to achieve breakthroughs in infrastructure and institutional reforms further catalyzed FDI growth in 2025. Key initiatives focused on accelerating public investment disbursement and simplifying administrative procedures contributed significantly to attracting new registrations and capital injections to enhance production capacities in Vietnam.
Investor Confidence Sets Stage for FDI Inflows in 2026
Looking ahead, Dr. Viet paints an optimistic picture regarding Vietnam’s FDI outlook for 2026. He points to how new laws and resolutions enacted in 2025 will begin to take effect, reinforcing Vietnam’s strategic position in the realignment of global supply chains. Factors such as macroeconomic stability, a secure political environment, and an inclusive foreign policy have cemented Vietnam’s status as an attractive venue for international trade and investment.
Vietnam retains clear advantages in terms of workforce quality, reasonably priced labor, and strong capabilities to adapt to the evolving demands of production and supply chains. Institutional reforms and improvements in the business environment are noted to enhance transparency, contributing to a more favorable climate for investors.
This strengthening of Vietnam’s business landscape has caught the eye of various stakeholders. A recent report from the Business Confidence Index (BCI) by the European Chamber of Commerce (EuroCham) recorded a significant rise, reaching its highest point in seven years at 80 points. EuroCham Chairman Bruno Jaspaert remarked that this resurgence in confidence stems from tangible outcomes—including operational factories, returning orders, and actualized investments—indicative of a structural shift in Vietnam’s economy.
Moreover, the overall sentiment from the European business community underscores Vietnam’s growing allure, with 87% of respondents expressing their willingness to recommend the country as an investment destination. This sentiment is especially pronounced among large-scale enterprises, reinforcing the belief in Vietnam’s potential as a burgeoning economic powerhouse within the ASEAN region.