The data indicate that ongoing investment flows remain stable, but momentum for expansion has been affected by the high comparison base of the same period last year.

According to the Ministry of Finance, FDI disbursement in January 2026 reached US$1.68 billion, up 11.26% from US$1.51 billion a year earlier. The increase reflects the continued implementation and expansion of existing projects in line with schedule.

The ministry described the result as a positive signal, underscoring foreign investors’ confidence in the business environment and economic prospects.

However, total registered FDI in the month stood at just over US$2.575 billion, down 40.58% from more than US$4.334 billion in the same period last year. The decline was mainly driven by a sharp contraction in adjusted capital.

Specifically, newly registered capital hit US$1.489 billion across 349 projects, rising 15.71% in value and 23.76% in the number of projects. By contrast, additional capital adjustments fell 67.4% to US$888.5 million, while capital contributions and share purchases dropped 38.57% to US$198.3 million.

The Ministry of Finance said the overall drop stems from a high base effect in the previous year, when several large projects recorded unusually large capital increases. New investment inflows have continued to grow, indicating that market attractiveness remains intact.

By sector, manufacturing and processing continued to lead with US$1.964 billion, accounting for 76.28% of total registered capital. This was followed by real estate with US$249.6 million, information and communications with US$134.2 million, and wholesale and retail trade with US$124.2 million.

By partner, Singapore ranked first with US$1.07 billion, or 41.54% of total registered capital, followed by the Republic of Korea, China and Japan. These four Asian partners together accounted for about 86% of total registered FDI.

Experts said that despite the short-term decline in registered capital, FDI prospects for 2026 remain positive, supported by macroeconomic stability and the market’s long-term appeal.

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