Current Landscape of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Vietnam
As of January 31, 2026, the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) landscape in Vietnam has exhibited some notable trends, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office. While total registered FDI capital has experienced a significant decrease of 40.6% year-on-year, dropping to $2.58 billion, there are several encouraging indicators within the investment framework that merit a closer look.
Disbursement Capacity and Realized FDI
Despite the decline in total registrations, the capacity for disbursement shows a positive trajectory. The realized FDI capital reached approximately $1.68 billion, reflecting an 11.3% increase from the same period last year. This figure not only signifies a robust performance but also marks a record high for January when compared over the five-year span from 2022 to 2026. Notably, the processing and manufacturing industry plays a critical role in this performance, accounting for an impressive 82.5% of total realized capital with $1.39 billion. The real estate sector contributed $110.2 million, while electricity and gas production and distribution added another $66.6 million to the mix.
Growth in Newly Registered Capital
In a contrasting trend, newly registered capital in Vietnam has shown robust growth. The country witnessed 349 newly licensed projects in this period, which represents a striking 23.8% increase compared to last year. The total registered capital for these projects reached $1.49 billion, up 15.7%. Such growth in new ventures underscores a resilient confidence among investors, despite broader registration challenges.
Sectoral Breakdown of New Projects
When examining the sectoral structure of these new projects, the processing and manufacturing sector continues to lead, securing $1.05 billion, which translates to 70.8% of the new capital influx. This sustained dominance reflects the sector’s potential and the attractiveness of Vietnam as a manufacturing hub. Following this, the real estate business also showed vitality, attracting $243.2 million, representing 16.3% of the new registered capital.
Key Investor Contributions
The diversity of international collaboration is also noteworthy, with 35 countries and territories contributing to new projects in Vietnam. Singapore emerged as the largest investor, channeling a total of $906.1 million, which accounts for a staggering 60.9% of the new registered capital. Other significant investors included mainland China, investing $169.6 million (11.4%), Japan with $140.8 million (9.5%), the United States at $85.5 million (5.7%), and Hong Kong (China) contributing $66.1 million (4.4%). This mix not only highlights Vietnam’s strategic position as an investment destination but also illustrates a strong diversification of investment sources.
Conclusion
The current state of FDI in Vietnam presents a blend of challenges and opportunities. While total registered capital has seen a notable decline, the significant increase in realized capital and new projects sheds light on a resilient investment climate. The trends highlight the importance of the processing and manufacturing sectors, offering insights into the strategic preferences of both domestic and foreign investors. With a diverse pool of international contributors, the future of FDI in Vietnam remains an area to watch closely.