With over $5.4 billion in newly registered capital during the first three months of 2026, Thai Nguyen province has emerged as the national leader in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), underscoring the strong appeal of a locality undergoing rapid transformation through industrialization and modernization.
According to data recently released by the General Statistics Office (Ministry of Finance), Thai Nguyen topped the country in attracting new FDI capital in the first quarter of 2026. The figure of over $5.4 billion in newly registered capital is impressive, reflecting the international investor community's growing confidence in the province's business and investment environment.
Following Thai Nguyen, Nghe An province ranked second, attracting over $2.2 billion in capital. Ha Tinh took third place with $411 million. Ho Chi Minh City—the country's largest economic hub—led in terms of project volume with 475 newly licensed projects, yet its total registered capital reached only $394 million. Bac Ninh followed closely with over $358 million.
Growth Drivers from High-Tech Industry
Thai Nguyen’s outstanding success in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) stems primarily from a large-scale project involving the manufacture of electronic circuit boards by a foreign investor. According to the Foreign Investment Agency, this project focuses on high-tech products, specifically advanced circuit boards for robotics and autonomous vehicles, sectors representing future technologies with high value-added potential that align with the province's economic restructuring strategy.
Fully recognizing the role of science, technology, and innovation in socio-economic development, Thai Nguyen has identified attracting high-tech industries as a key priority for the coming years. The province targets an 11% growth rate in 2026 and aims to maintain double-digit growth thereafter. To realize these goals, the province continues to improve its investment climate, foster the digital economy, and create favorable conditions for businesses to invest with confidence and commit to long-term operations in the area.
Nationwide FDI Disbursement Hits 5-Year High
Nationwide realized foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first three months of 2026 is estimated at US$5.41 billion, a 9.1% increase year-on-year. This marks the highest first-quarter FDI disbursement in five years – a positive signal that Vietnam remains an attractive destination trusted by the international community amidst increasingly fierce global competition for investment.
By sector, the processing and manufacturing industry maintained its leading position with US$4.48 billion, accounting for 82.8% of total realized FDI. Real estate activities ranked second with US$389.5 million (7.2%). Next is the sector of electricity, gas, hot water, steam, and air conditioning production and distribution, with US$196.1 million, accounting for 3.6% of the total capital.
These results vividly demonstrate that the guidelines and policies of the Party and the State aimed at improving the investment environment and enhancing national competitiveness that are yielding positive effects, making a significant contribution to the country's socio-economic development in the new era.