Hanoi – According to data recently released by the General Statistics Office (Ministry of Finance), total registered foreign direct investment (FDI) in Vietnam reached US$15.2 billion in the first quarter of 2026, a 42.9% increase compared to the same period last year – a result that vividly reflects the growing appeal of Vietnam’s investment environment on the international stage.
Impressive results that reaffirm international investor confidence
After a slight dip in the first two months of the year, registered foreign capital inflows into Vietnam rebounded quickly and accelerated sharply, closing the first quarter with remarkable results. This clearly demonstrates the relentless efforts of the Party, the State, and the Government to improve the investment and business environment, thereby fostering solid confidence within the international investor community.
Of the total registered capital, newly licensed FDI reached US$10.23 billion across 904 projects, representing a 2.4-fold increase in capital and a 6.4% rise in the number of projects compared to the same period last year. Registered capital from foreign investors for capital contributions and share purchases totaled US$2.66 billion across 703 transactions, a 2.3-fold increase year-on-year.
Notably, realized FDI in the first quarter of 2026 is estimated at US$5.41 billion, up 9.1% year-on-year. This sets a new record for the 2022–2026 period, underscoring the substantive nature and effectiveness of foreign capital inflows into Vietnam.
Manufacturing and processing industries remain key pillars for attracting investment
Aligned with the national strategy for industrialization and modernization, the manufacturing and processing sector continues to lead in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). In terms of newly registered capital alone, the sector secured US$7.07 billion, accounting for 69% of the total. When including adjusted capital, the figure rises to US$8.85 billion, representing 70.6% of the total.
Additionally, the sector comprising the production and distribution of electricity, gas, water, and air conditioning continues to attract significant interest, securing US$2.28 billion, equivalent to 22.3%, of newly registered capital. This reflects substantial investment demand for energy infrastructure to support sustainable development.
Singapore and South Korea lead the way, affirming Vietnam's position in regional value chains
Among the 52 countries and territories with newly licensed investment projects in Vietnam during the first quarter of 2026, Singapore emerged as the leader with US$5.32 billion (accounting for 52% of total newly registered capital). South Korea ranked second with US$3.68 billion (35.9%), followed by China with US$417.5 million and Hong Kong (China) with US$256.8 million.
The strong presence of major strategic partners from the region and the world reaffirms Vietnam's increasingly important role in global production and supply chains – a testament to the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralism, and diversification of international relations consistently pursued by the Party and the State.
These positive FDI results in the first quarter of 2026 serve as a vital foundation for the entire sector and system to strive toward successfully achieving the socio-economic development goals set forth in the resolutions of the Party and the National Assembly.