Foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction has long been a bright spot in Vietnam’s economic landscape. However, the key challenge now lies in strengthening linkages between domestic and foreign enterprises to build a more independent and resilient economy.

The Vietnam–Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) in Hai Phong city.

According to the Government’s report to the National Assembly (NA) on the implementation of the socio-economic development plan for 2021-2025, total registered FDI has reached 185 billion USD, surpassing the 2016-2020 figure of 170 billion USD.

In the first nine months of 2025 alone, registered FDI inflows topped 28.54 billion USD, up 15.2% year on year, with disbursed capital hitting a five-year record of 18.8 billion USD.

The quality of FDI has continued to improve, attracting a growing number of strategic investors and large-scale projects in high-tech sectors such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

Notable examples include R&D centres established by NVIDIA, Qualcomm, SAP, and projects from SYKE and LEGO, alongside billion-dollar investments from Samsung, LG, Foxconn, Goertek, and Luxshare.

A verification report from the NA’s Economic and Financial Committee underscored the FDI sector’s “locomotive role” in Vietnam’s trade performance.

The proportion of exports generated by FDI firms increased from 71.7% in the first quarter to 79.1% in the third one this year, while their share of imports rose from 63.1% to 72.5%.

Despite these positive contributions, the committee expressed concern over the economy’s heavy dependence on the FDI sector, warning that such reliance leaves Vietnam vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions.

Another key weakness, it noted, is the limited linkages between foreign-invested and domestic enterprises, hindering the formation of a supporting industry ecosystem capable of competing on the international stage.

According to the World Trade Organisation’s 2024 report, the domestic value-added ratio in Vietnam’s strategic manufacturing exports remains relatively low compared with regional and global peers.

For example, in the electrical and electronics sector – one of Vietnam’s key export industries, the domestic value-added content stands at just 26.9%, far behind Thailand (52.2%), Indonesia (61.2%), India (66%), China (75.3%) and the Republic of Korea (68.8%).

During recent NA discussions, several lawmakers highlighted the need for a more selective approach to FDI attraction. Deputy Nguyen Dai Thang from Hung Yen province called for prioritising projects with firm commitments on technology transfer, employment of Vietnamese workers, and cooperation with local enterprises.

Sharing this view, Nguyen Nhu So from Bac Ninh province emphasised that current FDI policies must include clearer requirements for localisation and technology transfer.

FDI should serve as a catalyst to strengthen domestic production capacity, enhance the ‘Made in Vietnam’ value, and enable Vietnamese firms to take control of key stages in global supply chains. This is the true foundation for an independent and sustainable economy, he said.

Vietnam’s FDI disbursement highest in five years

Vietnam’s disbursement of foreign direct investment (FDI) in January – September recorded its highest level in five years, reaching 18.8 billion USD, a year-on-year increase of 8.5%, the National Statistics Office of Vietnam under the Ministry of Finance revealed on October 6.

 

Vietnam’s FDI inflows remain strong amidst global stagnation

In the first eight months, Vietnam attracted 26.1 billion USD in FDI, up 27.3% year-on-year, while 15.4 billion USD was disbursed, up 8.8%, reflecting the economy’s strong capacity to absorb capital.

 

Bac Ninh overtakes HCM City to become nation’s FDI champion

As of the end of August, Bac Ninh lured 4.68 billion USD in FDI, as compared to nearly 4.4 billion USD injected to the southern economic hub, which also leverages the FDI magnets of Binh Duong and Ba Ria – Vung Tau.

 

Bac Ninh expands localization rate for product of FDI’s businesses

BAC NINH - Currently, most local businesses in the northern province of Bac Ninh only contribute small parts of the production process, supplying minor components or support services to FDI enterprises. Closer links between domestic suppliers and foreign manufacturers are vital to promote technology transfer, raise production capacity and steadily expand the localization rate of products so as to deepen domestic firms’ participation in global value chains.

Vietnam’s registered FDI up 27.3% in first eight months

Vietnam saw strong foreign investment in the first eight months of 2025, with registered FDI up 27.3% year-on-year, reflecting growing investor confidence and continued economic recovery.