Vietnam’s foreign direct investment (FDI) performance in the first half of 2026 confirms the country’s position as one of Asia’s most sought-after investment destinations. According to Vietnam’s National Statistics Office (NSO), total registered， FDI, combining new capital, expansion of existing projects, and capital contributions or share purchases, reached US$34.65 billion by 30 June 2026, up 61% year-on-year. Realised foreign investment reached US$13.03 billion, up 11.2% on-year and the highest first-half figure recorded in the past five years.
Newly licensed projects numbered 2.013, with registered capital of US$17.39 billion, up 87.2% year-on-year. A further 541 previously licensed projects added US$11.04 billion in expansion capital, up 23.5%, while foreign investors spent US$6.22 billion on capital contributions and share purchases, up 89.5%
Several factors are driving this momentum. Global manufacturers are diversifying supply chains to reduce dependence on single countries, and Vietnam remains a primary beneficiary of this “China+1” trend, with manufacturing and processing alone attracting US$10.76 billion. Infrastructure is also improving to meet investor needs. Major projects such as the Can Gio international transshipment port and the Quynh Lap LNG‑to‑power project in Nghe An have been approved, supporting logistics and energy supply. At the same time, Vietnam’s network of free trade agreements, including CPTPP, the EU–Vietnam FTA and RCEP, continues to provide preferential access to major export markets. Recent policy reforms, including Resolution 10‑NQ/TW, are strengthening the legal framework and creating further opportunities for foreign capital.
Among the 63 countries and territories with newly licensed projects, Singapore was the largest source of investment, followed by South Korea, Japan, China and Hong Kong. The Netherlands also appeared among the top investors. By sector, manufacturing and processing remained dominant, accounting for the majority of both newly registered and disbursed capital. Real estate and activities related to power generation, gas and water supply also attracted significant investment. By location, Thai Nguyen province led the country with more than US$5.7 billion in newly registered capital, reflecting its growing role as an electronics and semiconductor hub. Earlier in the year, Ho Chi Minh City and Nghe An also ranked among the leading destinations, underscoring the continued strength of both the northern industrial corridor and the southern logistics and energy clusters.
Compared with several ASEAN peers, Vietnam continues to strengthen its competitive position. While countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia remain important regional investment destinations, Vietnam distinguishes itself through a combination of sustained economic growth, competitive production costs, extensive trade agreements, and strong export performance. Moreover, the country’s ability to maintain steady FDI disbursement despite global geopolitical uncertainty demonstrates that investors increasingly view Vietnam not merely as an alternative manufacturing location but as a strategic production base within global value chains.
For companies considering investment in Vietnam, the first half of 2026 sends several encouraging signals. First, investment commitments are increasingly translating into actual project implementation, as reflected in the record level of realised FDI. This suggests that Vietnam is not only attracting new investors but is also becoming more effective in facilitating project execution. Second, ongoing investments in transport and energy infrastructure, including the development of the Can Gio International Transshipment Port and major power projects, are expected to ease long-standing logistics and electricity constraints, further improving the country’s competitiveness as a manufacturing base. Finally, investment opportunities are becoming more geographically diversified. While traditional hubs such as Ho Chi Minh City continue to attract significant foreign investment, northern provinces such as Thai Nguyen are rapidly emerging as strategic destinations for high-tech manufacturing, particularly in electronics and semiconductors. At the same time, the 89.5% surge in capital contributions and share acquisitions indicates that mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are becoming an increasingly attractive option for foreign investors seeking a faster and more efficient entry into the Vietnamese market.
Overall, Vietnam’s FDI performance in the first half of 2026 reflects more than a temporary surge in investment flows. It demonstrates the country’s continued structural transformation into one of Asia’s leading manufacturing and investment destinations. For companies considering expansion into Southeast Asia, Vietnam offers a compelling combination of macroeconomic stability, policy support, international market access, and an increasingly sophisticated industrial ecosystem. As global businesses continue diversifying supply chains and seeking resilient investment locations, Vietnam is well positioned to sustain its investment momentum throughout the remainder of 2026 and beyond.
