Strong investor activity continued in the capital at the start of the year, as a mix of new projects, capital adjustments, and share acquisitions helped reinforce Hanoi’s role in sustaining Vietnam’s positive foreign investment trend.
THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi has kicked off the year on a promising note, attracting a remarkable $102 million in foreign direct investment (FDI) in January alone. This influx has significantly boosted Vietnam’s total registered FDI for the month, reaching nearly US$1.5 billion—a 14.4% increase compared to the same period last year.
### Nationwide FDI Landscape
On a broader scale, the disbursed FDI across Vietnam has seen a healthy uptick, totaling nearly $1.7 billion, which represents an 11.3% increase year on year. These statistics paint a clear picture of the country’s growing allure among foreign investors, positioning Vietnam as a robust player in the global FDI landscape.
### Surge in New Projects
According to data from Hanoi’s statistics authority, the city licensed 61 new projects in January, with a total registered capital amounting to $31.5 million. This increase in new ventures signifies an ongoing commitment from investors to tap into Hanoi’s diverse market opportunities, reinforcing confidence in the city’s economic growth trajectory.
### Investment Expansion and Capital Contributions
Further underscoring this trend, 16 existing projects in Hanoi have raised their investment capital by $25.9 million. Additionally, there were 39 transactions involving capital contributions and share purchases in Vietnamese firms, totaling $44.6 million. These figures suggest that Hanoi is not just attracting new investments but also encouraging existing projects to expand, which is vital for long-term economic sustainability.
### Investor Confidence Amid Challenges
City officials have noted that these statistics reflect sustained investor confidence in Hanoi’s business climate, despite the ongoing uncertainties plaguing the global economy. Investors appear to be undeterred, viewing Hanoi as a city that offers stability and growth potential, making it an attractive destination for foreign investment.
### Strategic Shifts in Investment Focus
In light of this momentum, Hanoi is now pivoting its focus toward attracting new investments while also enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of FDI. The city is dedicated to strengthening support mechanisms for investors throughout their operations, signaling a proactive approach to fostering long-term business relationships.
### Collaborative Initiatives for Future Growth
As part of this strategic vision, Hanoi is expanding cooperation with the Foreign Investment Enterprise Association. Together, they aim to implement targeted investment promotion activities for the upcoming 2025-2030 period. A memorandum of understanding signed in September 2025 sets the foundation for this collaborative effort, which aims to create a structured, phased approach to investment that aligns with Hanoi’s socio-economic development goals.
### Long-Term Investment Promotion Plan
The ambitious investment promotion plan being developed is designed with clear, achievable milestones for each five-year stage. It includes comprehensive research materials aimed at bolstering promotion efforts, forecasting priority markets, and developing sound policy recommendations to attract high-quality investments. This structured approach is expected to enhance Hanoi’s visibility on the global stage.
### Enhanced Engagement with Investors
To further this initiative, the city and the association will co-organize a variety of investment promotion events, business dialogues, and thematic seminars from 2026 to 2030. This will enhance engagement between city authorities, industry experts, and both domestic and foreign businesses, facilitating transparent communication and collaboration.
### Collection of Innovative Ideas
The partnership will also focus on gathering policy proposals and innovative ideas from investors and experts to present them to the city government for review. This collaborative framework aims to foster an environment where feedback is valued, and investor needs are actively addressed.
### Opportunities for Foreign Investors
Additionally, city officials are keen on receiving investor delegations exploring opportunities in Hanoi and are committed to advising on organizing large-scale investment promotion events, both domestically and on international platforms, starting in 2026. This initiative reaffirms Hanoi’s aim of being seen as a competitive, transparent, and attractive investment destination within the region.
By maintaining this trajectory, Hanoi is not just securing its role as a key player in Vietnam’s FDI landscape but is also fostering a vibrant environment conducive to sustainable growth and innovation.