Vietnam’s Surge in Foreign Direct Investment: A 2025 Overview
Vietnam has made significant strides in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2025, with registered FDI reaching an impressive $28.54 billion in the first nine months. This figure marks a notable 15.2% increase compared to the same timeframe last year, illustrating the country’s growing appeal as a destination for global investors, according to the National Statistics Office.
Growth in New Project Licenses
During this nine-month period, Vietnam licensed an impressive 2,926 new projects, which represented a 17.4% increase in the number of projects compared to the previous year. However, it’s essential to note that the total registered capital for these projects saw a decline of 8.6%, totaling $12.39 billion. This discrepancy suggests that while more projects are being initiated, the average size of investment per project may be shrinking, indicating a potential trend toward smaller, more niche investments.
Surge in Adjusted Capital
On the flip side, the adjusted capital for existing projects revealed a remarkable increase of 48%, totaling $11.32 billion. This surge highlights investors’ confidence in the ongoing viability and potential of their current ventures in Vietnam. While new projects are certainly important for economic growth, the robust reinvestment in existing projects signals a positive outlook for the long-term stability and profitability of these enterprises.
Capital Contributions and Share Purchases
Additionally, foreign investors contributed a significant $4.84 billion through capital contributions and share purchases, which is a striking 35% increase year-on-year. This trend suggests that international players are not merely interested in initiating new projects; they are also keen on acquiring stakes in Vietnamese companies and expanding their footprint in the market. This enhanced activity not only reflects confidence in the Vietnamese economy but also strengthens the bonds between domestic and foreign enterprises.
Leading Investor Nations
When it comes to the sources of this investment, Singapore emerged as the largest investor, pouring in $3.43 billion. Following closely behind were China with $2.88 billion, Hong Kong (China) contributing $1.06 billion, and Sweden with $1 billion. Japan rounded out the top five investors with a contribution of $918.4 million. This diverse array of investors underscores Vietnam’s strategic position in the Asia-Pacific region and its ability to attract interest from various global markets.
Record FDI Disbursement
The disbursement of FDI also reached new heights, achieving $18.8 billion over the January to September period. This figure is significant, as it represents the highest level of disbursement in five years, demonstrating an 8.5% increase year-on-year. Efficient disbursement is critical for translating pledged investments into real economic activity, and these numbers indicate that foreign investors are increasingly successful in turning their commitments into tangible outcomes.
Vietnam’s foreign direct investment landscape in 2025 paints a picture of escalating interest and confidence among international investors. The growth in new project licenses, substantial reinvestment in existing ventures, and record disbursement levels all highlight the country’s strategic advantages and its position as a burgeoning hub for foreign investment in Southeast Asia. As these trends continue to evolve, they promise to shape the economic landscape of Vietnam for years to come.