Registered foreign investment in Vietnam reached US$50.36 billion in the first nine months of 2026, up 76.4% year on year, while disbursed FDI was estimated at US$21.07 billion, its highest nine-month level in five years, according to the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Finance.

Manufacturing remains the main FDI destination

Manufacturing and processing continued to attract the largest share of foreign investment, reflecting the sector’s dominant role in Vietnam’s FDI landscape.

Newly registered projects accounted for US$29.24 billion of total registered capital during the January-September period. Existing projects added US$14.15 billion through 948 capital adjustments, while foreign investors contributed US$6.97 billion through capital contributions and share purchases.

Vietnam licensed 3,108 new foreign-invested projects, up 6.2% in number from a year earlier, while their registered capital more than doubled to US$29.24 billion.

Manufacturing and processing accounted for US$13.38 billion, or 45.8% of newly registered capital, followed by transport and storage with US$5.14 billion, or 17.6%.

When newly registered and additional capital are combined, manufacturing and processing attracted US$21.82 billion, representing 50.3% of the total. Real estate businesses received US$6.94 billion, or 16%.

Foreign investors also made 2,335 capital contributions and share purchases worth US$6.97 billion, up 44% year on year. Of these, 725 transactions increased companies’ charter capital, while 1,610 involved purchases of domestic shares without increasing charter capital.

Professional, scientific and technical activities attracted US$2.75 billion through these transactions, followed by wholesale and retail trade and vehicle repair with US$2.02 billion.

Singapore leads investment sources

Singapore was the largest source of registered FDI in Vietnam, with US$12.85 billion, followed by the Republic of Korea with US$9.75 billion and Hong Kong with US$5.41 billion.

Ho Chi Minh City led Vietnam’s provinces and cities in registered foreign investment with US$18.23 billion, followed by Thai Nguyen with US$8 billion, Bac Ninh with US$4.27 billion and Hanoi with US$4.13 billion.

The increase in registered investment was accompanied by continued growth in actual capital disbursement. Disbursed FDI was estimated at US$21.07 billion in the first nine months, up 12.1% year on year and the highest level for the period in five years.

Manufacturing and processing accounted for US$17.4 billion, or 82.6% of total disbursed FDI. Real estate attracted US$1.59 billion, while electricity, gas, hot water, steam and air-conditioning production and distribution received US$723.4 million.

The Foreign Investment Agency said the strong inflow came despite a recent slowdown in global investment flows amid geopolitical uncertainty and US tariff policies, indicating continued foreign investor confidence in Vietnam.

The rise in disbursed FDI is expected to strengthen production capacity and support economic growth.

Experts stress streamlined administrative procedures, skilled labor to boost FDI

VOV.VN - Administrative procedures and high-quality human resources are critical factors determining Vietnam's competitiveness in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), industry experts and businesses said at the 2026 Industrial Real Estate Forum held in Ho Chi Minh City on September 29.