According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in 2021, the United States took the lead for nominal GDP with $22,940 billion, followed by China with about $16,863 billion, Japan $5,103 billion, Germany $4,230 billion and the UK $3,108 billion.

These five countries have poured money into Vietnam for many years. In January-August 2022, among the world's five largest economies, Japan was the biggest investor in Vietnam, with about $1.5 billion for 123 new projects, ranking third among countries investing in Vietnam during this period.

China was the second largest investor in Vietnam among the five largest economies, with about $1.4 billion and 143 new projects, ranking fourth among investing countries in Vietnam.

The US, UK and Germany invested about $371.33 million, $86.69 million USD and $49.38 million, respectively, in Vietnam in this period. Accordingly, the US, UK and Germany ranked 9th, 17th and 19th among countries investing in Vietnam in the first eight months of 2022.

In terms of cumulative FDI investment by August 2022, Japan was still the biggest investor in Vietnam among the world's five largest economies, with $65.69 billion and 4,917 projects, ranking third among countries with the largest cumulative total investment capital in Vietnam as of August 2022.

According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Vietnam, the processing and manufacturing industry is the most attractive investment field to Japanese investors. 

Japan has invested in most provinces and cities in Vietnam, but has concentrated on localities with relatively developed infrastructure such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Thanh Hoa and Dong Nai.

China ranked second in this category among the five largest economies in the world, with about $22.43 billion and 3,453 projects. In total, China ranked sixth among the countries with the largest cumulative total investment capital in Vietnam as of August 2022.

China's investment in Vietnam is reported in almost all provinces and cities in Vietnam, focusing more in border provinces with border-gate economic zones, coastal areas, and densely populated cities.

The US, the UK and Germany had accumulated total investment capital in Vietnam of about $11.04 billion, $4.16 billion and $2.31 billion as of August 2022, respectively. They ranked 11th, 15th and 18th respectively among countries with the most accumulated total investment capital in Vietnam as of August 2022.

Mai Lan