Business News

Total foreign direct investment poured into Vietnam in the first half of 2025 reached more than $21.51 billion, marking a 32.6 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Finance. The figure includes newly registered, adjusted, and contributed capital.

The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) of HCM City increased 8.6 per cent in the first half of 2025, indicating positive growth amid global trade and economic uncertainty. Manufacturing and processing grew by 8.8 per cent, electricity production and distribution by 1.5 per cent and water supply and waste treatment by 2.3 per cent.

According to the provincial People’s Committee, total investment capital into the province from the start of the year has reached approximately US$12.04 billion. Of the total, $943.7 million came from 186 newly licensed FDI projects and $2.43 billion from 141 capital-added projects, along with the remainder from new and existing domestic projects.

The two-tier local government model, which simplifies administrative structures, is creating new opportunities for businesses by reducing time and operational costs, allowing for bolder investment and expansion, according to experts. The streamlining of administrative structures following the reorganisation of provincial units is beginning to yield clear improvements in the investment and business climate.

Motorcycle sales in Vietnam rose 6.4% in the first half of this year from a year earlier, backed by price cuts and promotions, industry data showed. The Vietnam Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (VAMM) said its five members – Honda, Yamaha, Piaggio, SYM and Suzuki – sold a combined 1.28 million units in the period.

Around VND268.1 trillion in public investment had been disbursed by June 30, equivalent to 32.5% of the annual target, up from 28.2% in the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Finance. As of June 30, ministries, central agencies, and local authorities had allocated and assigned detailed spending plans totaling VND817.8 trillion, equivalent to 98.7% of the total plan approved by the prime minister.

Việt Nam is gradually transforming from a manufacturing hub into a regional centre for high-tech innovation. The country currently ranks fifth in the world for electronics, computers and components exports, and second globally for mobile phones and components exports. The export turnover of electronics reached US$134.5 billion last year.

Following its merger with Bình Dương and Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu provinces early this month, the new HCM City is targeting US$10.44 billion in foreign direct investment this year. To achieve this goal, it is implementing a range of measures to foster a more transparent and streamlined investment environment for both domestic and foreign investors.