An expert perceived that Vietnam needs to move towards a new-generation investment attraction model – one that seeks not only capital but also advanced technology, modern governance, innovation and stronger spillover effects on domestic enterprises.

Ho Chi Minh City has nearly achieved its 2026 target of attracting 11 billion USD in foreign direct investment (FDI), underlining the city’s growing attractiveness to international investors and its increasingly important role as an economic hub.

It’s time for VN to shift from its long-standing approach of attracting FDI at all costs towards a more selective strategy focused on technology, innovation, green development, value creation and stronger linkages with domestic enterprises.

While FDI corporations continue expanding production and exports, many Vietnamese companies say they are surviving on razor-thin margins and constant uncertainty.

In the new development phase, Vietnam is shifting from mass attraction of FDI to a more selective, quality-, efficiency- and sustainability-driven investment cooperation approach, Deputy PM Nguyen Van Thang stated at a forum in Hanoi on May 13.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into Vietnam continued to post positive signs in the first months of 2026, underscoring the resilience and attractiveness of the country’s investment environment amid global economic uncertainties.

Faced with geopolitical instability and spiraling trade uncertainty, Vietnam has held its ground as a magnet for foreign direct investment (FDI), reinforcing its place on the global map.

Vietnam draws US$18.24 billion in FDI in the first four months of 2026, up 32 percent year-on-year, led by Thai Nguyen and Nghe An.

The State Bank of Vietnam is drafting a new circular to revise foreign exchange management regulations for FDI into Vietnam, in order to align the framework with recent changes in investment law and evolving market practices.

Since early 2026, FDI inflows into Vietnam have not only grown in size but are also quickly moving toward high-tech industries, data, and green manufacturing.

Ho Chi Minh City is seeing a sharp surge in foreign direct investment into hi-tech sectors, especially data infrastructure, a cornerstone of the digital economy.

As global supply chains shift, experts say Vietnam must strengthen internal capabilities to attract higher-quality foreign investment.

FDI capital in Vietnam is expected to continue growing positively, potentially reaching $38-40 billion annually during the next five years, honorary chairman of the Association of Foreign Invested Enterprises Associate Professor Dr Nguyen Mai said.

Vietnam’s disbursed foreign direct investment (FDI) reached an estimated US$5.41 billion in the first three months of 2026, up 9.1 percent year-on-year - the highest first-quarter figure recorded in the past five years.

Total registered foreign direct investment (FDI) in Vietnam reached 15.2 billion USD in the first quarter of 2026, up 42.9% year-on-year, according to the National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance.

Strong foreign investment inflows reflect the city’s resilience in the face of global volatility, said a local official.

The return of a billion-dollar high-tech project highlights the effectiveness of Vietnam’s strategy to selectively attract FDI, prioritising advanced technology and high value-added investments.

Statistics show that about 80% of FDI enterprises prioritise investing in industrial parks with green energy infrastructure, reflecting a growing shift in investment preferences amid tightening global environmental standards.

As global competition for FDI intensifies, Vietnam continues to enhance its appeal to multinational investors, backed by competitive advantages, an improving business environment and policy reforms aligned with emerging global investment standards.