A Surge in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 2025: Key Insights
In 2025, Vietnam witnessed a remarkable wave of foreign direct investment (FDI), with total registered FDI reaching an impressive $38.42 billion. This marked a modest increase of 0.5% compared to the previous year. However, the most striking aspect of this year’s statistics was the disbursed FDI, which soared to a record high of $27.62 billion, an increase of 9% year-over-year.
Unpacking the Numbers: What They Mean
While the registered capital growth was modest, the substantial rise in disbursed capital reflects a robust economic environment and increased investor confidence. The previous years saw disbursed FDI figures at $25.35 billion in 2024, $23.18 billion in 2023, $22.4 billion in 2022, and $19.74 billion in 2021. This steady upward trajectory underscores a strong commitment from foreign investors to contribute to Vietnam’s economic landscape.
Sectoral Contributions to FDI
A detailed breakdown of the FDI inflows reveals that the manufacturing and processing sector was the standout performer, attracting an astounding $22.88 billion, accounting for over 82% of total disbursed FDI. Real estate attracted $1.93 billion (about 7%), while the utilities sector, including electricity and gas, garnered $914.9 million, or 3.3%.
Newly Registered Projects
The landscape of newly registered projects in 2025 provides additional layers to this narrative. A total of 4,054 projects registered newly, totaling $17.32 billion. While there was a 12.2% decrease in the value of newly registered funds, the number of projects rose by 20.1%, signaling increased foreign interest in Vietnam’s potential for growth.
Within these new investments, the manufacturing and processing industry was again the frontrunner, securing $9.8 billion (56.5%) of the new capital. Real estate followed with $3.67 billion (21.2%), while other sectors collectively drew $3.85 billion (22.2%).
Capital Adjustments and Share Purchases
In addition to newly registered capital, 1,404 projects also reported capital adjustments, contributing an additional $14.07 billion—an increase of 0.8% year-on-year. When considering both new investments and adjustments, the total registered FDI in the manufacturing and processing sector reached $18.59 billion, which represented 59.2% of the total.
Foreign investments through capital contributions and share purchases came in at $7.03 billion, a staggering 54.8% increase from the previous year. This included 1,305 transactions that contributed to enterprises’ charter capital, valued at $2.55 billion, as well as 2,282 transactions where foreign investors acquired domestic shares valued at $4.48 billion.
Leading Investors
When it comes to investor countries, Singapore emerged as the most significant player, contributing $4.84 billion, which constituted 27.9% of total registered capital. Following closely were China ($3.64 billion or 21%), Hong Kong ($1.73 billion or 10%), and Japan ($1.62 billion or 9.4%). Other notable contributors included Sweden, Taiwan, and South Korea.
Conclusion
The FDI landscape in Vietnam for 2025 reflects a complex but positive scenario: a record high in disbursement illustrates growing investor confidence, while sector-specific growth indicates a targeted approach by foreign entities toward manufacturing, processing, and real estate. This dynamic exemplifies Vietnam’s increasing attractiveness as a destination for foreign investment, driven by its strategic economic policies and a burgeoning market presence.