Want to be in the loop?
subscribe to
our notification
Business News
DOWNWARD TREND IN FDI PERSISTS
According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment's Foreign Investment Agency (FIA), foreign direct investment (FDI) stood at $5.45 billion in the first quarter of 2023, equivalent to just 61 per cent on-year. The reason is said to be the lack of billion-dollar projects, with the $1.32 billion Lego investment making up 41 per cent of FDI in the first quarter last year.
Over 520 new projects were granted investment registration certificates in the same period with the total registered capital of over $3 billion, down 5.9 per cent on-year. The adjusted capital of almost 230 ongoing projects stood at about $1.2 billion, down 70 per cent on-year. There were approximately 600 capital contributions and share purchases as of March 20, equivalent to $1.25 billion, showing a decrease of over 23 per cent for the same period last year.
In addition to the decrease in FDI, the country's disbursed capital also saw a slight decline of 2.2 per cent to $4.3 billion.
The FIA census also indicated that FDI was seen in 17 out of the 21 economic sectors in the first quarter. Of those, processing and manufacturing took the lead with $4 billion, capturing 73 per cent of total FDI, but saw a 25 per cent drop compared to the same period in 2022. Real estate ranked second with $766 million, making up 14 per cent of the total, but witnessed a decrease of over 71 per cent on-year. This was followed by wholesale and retail, and logistics and warehouses, with $276 million and $151 million respectively.
Singapore was the top foreign investor in Vietnam with close to $1.7 billion, accounting for 31 per cent of FDI into the country in the first quarter, but representing a decrease of over 26 per cent on-year. China came second with $552 million and Taiwan third with $477 million, followed by South Korea, Hong Kong, and the Netherlands.
Foreign-invested projects still choose cities and provinces that have more advantageous infrastructural development, human resources, and clear administrative procedures, like Bac Giang, Dong Nai, Bac Ninh, Ho Chi Minh City, and Haiphong.
Source: VIR
Related News
VIETNAM ECONOMY INVESTMENT
VIETNAM’S SEAFOOD EXPORTS HIT OVER US$10 BILLION IN JAN-NOV
Seafood export revenue in November alone amounted to nearly US$990 million, up 6.6% year-on-year. Key product groups posted solid gains. Shrimp exports rose 11.7% to over US$385 million, supported by strong demand for whiteleg shrimp and lobster. Tra fish shipments increased 9.7% to almost US$197 million, while marine fish, squid, and mollusk exports maintained their recovery.
VIETNAM ECONOMY INVESTMENT
VIETNAM’S AGRO-FORESTRY-FISHERY EXPORTS HIT NEW RECORD IN JAN-NOV
Vietnam’s agro-forestry-fishery export revenue reached an estimated US$64.01 billion in the first 11 months of 2025, up 12.6% year-on-year and surpassing the full-year record of US$62.4 billion set in 2024. Agricultural exports reached US$34.24 billion, up 15% year-on-year, while livestock products brought in US$567.4 million, a 16.8% increase. Seafood exports rose 13.2% to US$10.38 billion, and forestry products earned US$16.61 billion, up 5.9%.
VIETNAM ECONOMY INVESTMENT
HANOI REPORTS RECORD-HIGH BUDGET REVENUE IN 2025
Hanoi’s budget revenue is estimated to reach VND641.7 trillion in 2025, the highest level ever recorded and nearly 25% above the revised target, according to a report by the municipal government. Data from the city’s socioeconomic performance review shows that total state budget collections in 2025 are projected to reach 124.9% of the adjusted plan and rise 24.9% from 2024, the Vietnam News Agency reported.
INFRASTRUCTURE / CONSTRUCTION / LOGISTIC / PORT
VIETNAM, CHINA TO PILOT TWO-WAY CARGO TRANSPORT AT LANG SON BORDER
Vietnam and China will launch a one-year pilot program on December 10 to allow two-way cargo transport through the Huu Nghi–Youyi Guan international border gates in Lang Son Province, reported the Vietnam News Agency. The Dong Dang-Lang Son Economic Zone Management Board said the trial aims to reduce transport costs and improve customs clearance capacity.
INFRASTRUCTURE / CONSTRUCTION / LOGISTIC / PORT
VIETNAM’S IMPORT-EXPORT VALUE NEARS US$840 BILLION IN JAN-NOV
The total value of Vietnam’s imports and exports was nearly US$840 billion between January and November this year, the highest level ever recorded, according to the National Statistics Office. In its latest report on the country’s socio-economic performance, the National Statistics Office highlighted a series of positive economic indicators, with trade emerging as one of the strongest drivers of growth.
HOSPITALITY / TOURISM / ENTERTAINMENT
OVER 19 MILLION INTERNATIONAL VISITORS COME TO VIETNAM IN JAN-NOV
Vietnam received more than 19.1 million international visitors in the first 11 months of 2025, a 20.9% increase year-on-year and the highest level ever recorded, according to the National Statistics Office. The figure surpasses the full-year record of 18 million arrivals set in 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic. Nearly two million foreign visitors arrived in November alone, up 14.2% from October and 15.6% from the same period last year.
Events Sponsors
