Vietnam Lays a Solid Foundation to Accelerate FDI Growth Toward 2025 Target

🇻🇳 Vietnam Sustains Strong FDI Momentum Despite Global Uncertainty

Amid rising geopolitical tensions and fragmented global supply chains, Vietnam continues to reinforce its position as a safe, strategic, and attractive destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). This is thanks to the country’s political stability, geographical advantages, and deep commitment to international economic integration.

According to data from the Foreign Investment Agency (Ministry of Planning and Investment), in the first nine months of 2025:

• Total registered FDI exceeded USD 28.5 billion – a 15.2% increase year-on-year

• Disbursed capital reached USD 18.8 billion – up 8.5% over the same period

These figures reaffirm Vietnam’s position as a resilient and promising investment destination, setting a solid foundation for FDI acceleration in Q4/2025 and into 2026.

📊 Investment Structure Shows Strategic Shift Toward Quality

While newly registered capital decreased by 8.6%, adjusted capital surged by 48%, and capital contributions/share purchases increased nearly 35%. This reflects a shift in investor behavior: existing investors are expanding operations, while new investors remain cautious amid global uncertainties.

The increase in disbursed capital signals improved absorption capacity and faster project execution — a positive sign in the context of declining global FDI.

🏭 Manufacturing Leads; Real Estate Gains Ground with Rising Infrastructure Demand

• Manufacturing and processing remains the leading sector, accounting for 58.8% of total FDI — a long-standing trend.

• Real estate witnessed significant growth (+30.2%), driven by strong demand for industrial parks, urban infrastructure, and logistics facilities.

⚠️ However, Vietnam’s high dependence on electronics and component manufacturing raises risks if supply chains face further disruptions.

🌍 Investment Sources & Locations: Traditional Leaders and New Contenders

• Singapore led FDI inflows, contributing 24.2% of total capital, followed by South Korea (15%) and China (12%)

• While major hubs such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Bac Ninh, and Hai Phong continue to attract investment, new provinces like Gia Lai and Ninh Binh are emerging with large-scale projects

📌 This shift demonstrates the effectiveness of administrative reform, provincial competitiveness programs, and regional planning.

⚖️ FDI Helps Balance Trade — But Structural Dependence Remains

In the first three quarters of 2025:

• The FDI sector recorded a trade surplus of USD 36.8 billion (including crude oil)

• Excluding oil, the surplus was USD 35.8 billion

Meanwhile, domestic enterprises saw a trade deficit of over USD 20 billion. This highlights the important role of FDI in stabilizing Vietnam’s trade balance, while also revealing a structural dependence that must be addressed through stronger domestic linkages.

⚠️ Key Challenges Facing FDI in 2025

According to both the Foreign Investment Agency and global reports like UNCTAD’s WIR 2025, several risk factors may affect Vietnam’s FDI outlook:

• Global FDI decline (down 11% in 2024; expected to continue falling in 2025)

• Fragmented supply chains and rising protectionism

• Tighter environmental, labor, and ESG standards

• High input costs (electricity, labor, water, logistics)

• Smaller project sizes, as investors focus more on expanding existing operations than starting new ones

🧩 Strategic Solutions for Sustained FDI Growth

To maintain momentum and attract high-quality investment, Vietnam must prioritize:

1. Institutional reform and administrative streamlining

2. Development of high-quality human resources

3. Stronger linkages between FDI and domestic enterprises

4. Promotion of green, high-tech, and digital investments

5. Strict monitoring of investment quality to avoid becoming a destination for outdated technologies

📌 Conclusion: FDI as a Catalyst for Sustainable Growth Through 2026

Vietnam is steadily building a transparent, competitive, and investor-friendly environment. Despite global headwinds, the country is well-positioned to seize new opportunities from supply chain realignments.

With promising results in the first nine months of 2025, FDI is poised to reach its year-end target and continue driving sustainable growth into 2026.