Right in the first month of 2025, Ho Chi Minh City has reaffirmed its role as the country’s leading hub for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), underscoring the city's strong appeal to global investors. According to data from the Foreign Investment Agency (Ministry of Planning and Investment), total registered FDI in Vietnam in January reached over USD 4.33 billion, a 48.6% increase compared to the same period last year, with Ho Chi Minh City contributing a significant portion to this impressive result.
Ho Chi Minh City accounted for 35.5% of all newly registered FDI projects nationwide
Leading in Both Quantity and Quality of Projects
In January 2025, Ho Chi Minh City accounted for 35.5% of all newly registered FDI projects nationwide, 19% of capital adjustment cases, and an overwhelming 64.2% of capital contribution and share purchase (CCSP) transactions. This highlights not only the interest from new investors but also the continued confidence of existing FDI enterprises in the city’s investment environment.
Specifically, the city received 282 new investment projects with a total registered capital of nearly USD 1.29 billion, 137 capital adjustment cases totaling approximately USD 2.73 billion, and 260 CCSP transactions worth around USD 323 million. Although the number of new projects declined compared to the same period last year, the sharp increases in adjusted capital and CCSP value indicate a trend toward more selective and high-quality investment.
Manufacturing and Processing Industry Remains a Key Driver
The manufacturing and processing sector continued to attract the lion’s share of FDI in Ho Chi Minh City, with a total registered capital of USD 3.09 billion—accounting for 71.3% of the city’s total FDI. This clearly reflects the city’s strategic focus on high-tech and advanced manufacturing. Real estate ranked second, attracting over USD 1 billion (23.5% of the total), despite a slight year-on-year decline.
South Korea and Singapore Lead Investment Partners
South Korea remained the top investor in Ho Chi Minh City, contributing USD 1.25 billion or 28.9% of the total FDI, mainly through capital adjustments and CCSP deals. Singapore followed closely with USD 1.24 billion (28.7%), underscoring strong competition between the two regional powerhouses in expanding their presence in Vietnam. Meanwhile, China led in the number of newly registered projects, showing its businesses' agility in seizing market opportunities in the city.
Investment Expands Nationally, but Ho Chi Minh City Remains a Key Destination
While Ho Chi Minh City ranked fourth in total FDI in January—following a dramatic surge in Bac Ninh (USD 1.39 billion, 32.2% of the national total)—it maintained its central role in Vietnam’s investment ecosystem. Foreign capital flowed into 39 provinces and cities, indicating a positive spillover effect and reaffirming Ho Chi Minh City’s status as not only the country’s economic hub but also the investment gateway for the southern region.
A Focus on Sustainable and High-Quality Development
Amid rising regional competition, Ho Chi Minh City’s sustained success in attracting FDI results from its ongoing efforts to improve the investment environment, upgrade infrastructure, digitize administration, and enhance business support. Looking ahead, the city aims to prioritize projects with high-tech content, greater added value, and contributions to sustainable development, thereby elevating its position in the global value chain.
With these continued efforts, Ho Chi Minh City further solidifies its status as a magnet for FDI and a driving force in Vietnam’s sustainable economic growth and global integration.