Which industry makes foreign investors "choose the right place to invest" in Vietnam?

VTV.vn - FDI capital continues to flow to Vietnam, but instead of expanding widely, investors are being more selective, focusing on modern technology, energy and services.

FDI flows into high technology and green energy

Foreign capital "chooses the right place to put its trust" in green technology and energy

Foreign direct investment (FDI) continues to assert its role as the leading growth driver of the Vietnamese economy . Despite the volatile global economic context, Vietnam still maintains its strong appeal, demonstrated by the shift in focus of international investors from quantity to quality, focusing on high-tech sectors, green development and digital services.

According to the General Statistics Office ( Ministry of Finance ), as of September 30, 2025, the total registered FDI capital in Vietnam (including newly granted capital, adjusted capital, capital contribution, and share purchase) reached an impressive figure of 28.54 billion USD, an increase of 15.2% over the same period last year. More notably, realized FDI capital reached 18.80 billion USD, the highest level in the past 5 years. This figure not only reflects investors' confidence but also proves that projects have been and are being implemented substantially, creating immediate economic value.

FDI capital "hunts" for brainpower, high technology and green energy

The processing and manufacturing industry continued to maintain its leading position, attracting 7.27 billion USD of newly registered capital, accounting for nearly 59% of the total new capital. This concentration affirms Vietnam's irreplaceable position in the global supply chain, especially in high-tech industries such as the production of electronic components, semiconductors and camera modules. The fact that large corporations such as Samsung, LG and Foxconn continuously expand production in Bac Ninh, Hai Phong and Bac Giang , focusing on shifting high value-added production stages such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence, clearly demonstrates this trend.

Vietnam is transforming itself into a magnet for selective FDI, focusing on high-tech projects, renewable energy and digital services, rather than just a traditional low-cost assembly destination. This strategic goal is opening a new era for green, smart, sustainable and high-value-added capital flows.

However, the most important highlight is the strong increase in capital flows into new fields. Green energy, high technology, digital services and smart infrastructure are becoming "hot spots" that international investors "choose to entrust their gold". The Vietnamese Government's commitment to Net Zero by 2050 has opened up huge green investment opportunities, attracting large investors from Europe such as TotalEnergies and EDP Renewables to invest in offshore wind power projects in Ba Ria - Vung Tau and Soc Trang, with a total investment of nearly 2 billion USD. Another typical example is LEGO's carbon-neutral factory project in Binh Duong, showing that Vietnam is becoming a green manufacturing hub in the region.

Processing and manufacturing industry attracts 7.27 billion USD of newly registered capital

According to Dr. To Hoai Nam - Permanent Vice President and General Secretary of the Vietnam Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, our country is successfully taking advantage of dual advantages. On the one hand, maintaining political stability and strategic position in the supply chain; on the other hand, the Government proactively introduces policies to attract clean technology and renewable energy, which is completely consistent with the ESG (environment - society - governance) investment criteria that are a global trend. The goal by 2030, 50% of total new FDI capital in 'green - smart - sustainable' industries is not only an ambition but also a core strategy to enhance the national economic position."

Modern services and smart infrastructure: “Magnets” attracting billions of dollars in foreign capital

Not only stopping at the processing industry, modern service sectors and digital economy are emerging as "magnets" attracting FDI capital thanks to strong growth potential and large market size.

According to the annual report on Southeast Asia's digital economy published by Google - Temasek - Bain & Company, the scale of Vietnam's digital economy is expected to reach about 45 billion USD by 2025. The three main pillars driving foreign capital flows are e-commerce, fintech and data centers. Vietnam's e-commerce maintains one of the highest growth rates in ASEAN, estimated to reach 20-22 billion USD by the end of the year, attracting "giants" such as Alibaba (via Lazada), Shopee and TikTok Shop to expand their warehouse and logistics infrastructure.

The fintech ecosystem currently has nearly 200 businesses, double that of 2020, becoming one of the three most dynamic markets in Southeast Asia, with capital from strategic funds such as GIC, Sequoia Capital and Temasek. At the same time, the demand for cloud computing and AI has increased sharply, making the data center segment a key investment destination. According to the Foreign Investment Agency, in the third quarter of 2025 alone, this sector will attract more than 1.2 billion USD in capital from Amazon Web Services, NTT Data and the Viettel-Singtel joint venture, creating a new wave of data center construction, strengthening Vietnam's position in the regional digital economy.

Infrastructure and smart cities also become "magnets" attracting long-term capital.

In addition to the digital economy, infrastructure and smart cities have also become “magnets” attracting long-term capital. Strategic projects require large capital, mobilized through the public-private partnership (PPP) model. Vietnam needs tens of billions of USD for key projects such as the North-South high-speed railway, Can Gio international transit port, and smart, ecological urban areas in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Japanese, Korean, and European investors are showing strong interest.

Ms. Le Thu Huong, in charge of a European investment fund in Vietnam, commented: “Vietnam is not only an assembly site but is becoming a regional research, development and data center. Tax incentives for financial and high-tech center projects affirm the commitment to move from a 'low-cost factory' to a high-value investment center.”

Transforming from 'factory' to 'strategic partner'

According to UNCTAD, Vietnam will rise to the top 20 countries attracting the largest FDI in the world by 2025 and be the only country in Southeast Asia to maintain double-digit growth for three consecutive years. Vietnam is not only a destination but also a strategic partner in the “new map” of global capital flows, reflecting the new generation FDI trend: selective quality, high added value.

Vietnam’s competitive advantages far outweigh its labor costs thanks to political stability, institutional reforms, selective FDI policies and a green orientation. Mr. Giorgio Aliberti, Head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam, commented: “Vietnam has become one of the most reliable destinations for European investors thanks to its growth rate and commitment to sustainable development.”

From high-tech manufacturing (semiconductors, AI), renewable energy (wind power, solar power) to digital services and smart cities, Vietnam is transforming from a “low-cost factory” to a high-value investment center. Foreign capital is looking for long-term commitments, and Vietnam responds by prioritizing high-tech projects, renewable energy and digital services, strengthening the foundation for sustainable growth.

Despite the bright prospects, Vietnam still faces three challenges: a shortage of highly skilled human resources, a legal framework for new sectors that needs to be completed more quickly, and an energy-logistics infrastructure that does not meet global supply chain standards. Experts recommend accelerating administrative procedure reform and developing high-quality human resources through international cooperation and universities to increase its attractiveness on the global investment map./.

Source: https://vtv.vn/nganh-nao-khien-nha-dau-tu-nuoc-ngoai-chon-mat-gui-vang-tai-viet-nam-100251022132828349.htm