FDI maintains strong growth despite global slowdown

FDI inflows into Vietnam has remained vibrant despite the global investment slowdown caused by geopolitical uncertainties and US tariff policies.

According to the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Finance, in the first seven months of 2025, registered FDI reached over US$24.1 billion, up 27.3% year-on-year, while disbursed capital hit US$13.6 billion, up 8.4%.

Notably, adjusted capital surged by 95.3% to nearly US$10 billion, while capital contributed through share purchases climbed 61% to more than US$4 billion. The number of new projects, capital adjustments, and share purchase transactions all rose from a year earlier. In July alone, although the number of projects declined compared to June, adjusted capital more than doubled to US$1.04 billion, while capital through share purchases jumped 84.5% to nearly US$790 million.

This reflects a trend towards more selective, large-scale deals in mid-year, the agency noted, adding that accelerating FDI inflows demonstrate continued investor confidence in Vietnam’s potential.

At the inauguration of Coherent’s US$127 million plant in the southern province of Dong Nai, Gary Kapusta, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Coherent Corp, said that the company now employs some 2,000 people in Vietnam and considers the country a central hub for its global production, product development, and photonics technology innovation.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung said Coherent’s investment will help Vietnam become a key link in the global semiconductor chain, joining major tech names such as Nvidia, Apple, Google, Qualcomm, Amkor, Marvell, Intel, and Meta.

However, at the Government's regular July meeting, Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang acknowledged that Vietnam still lacks major and high-tech projects, with new registered FDI in the first seven months down 11.1% year-on-year to just over US$10 billion.

Turning Korean investment plans into reality

To attract more FDI, Vietnam needs large-scale, high-tech, and strategic industry projects. In this context, Deputy PM Dung recently chaired a meeting to review and promote Korean investors’ projects in strategic sectors, including semiconductors and energy.

This year also marks the 30th anniversary of Samsung’s investment in Vietnam. The Korean conglomerate has invested over US$23.2 billion in the Southeast Asian country, not only in manufacturing but also in research and development. Its US$220 million R&D centre in Hanoi, inaugurated in late 2022, underscores Vietnam’s growing role in Samsung’s global strategy. The Government hopes Samsung will expand into semiconductor manufacturing in Vietnam.

Samsung will continue to deepen its partnership with the Vietnamese Government for mutual benefit, while striving to become a trusted and beloved company among the Vietnamese people, said Na Ki Hong, General Director of Samsung Vietnam.

Other Korean giants such as LG, Hyosung, Lotte, Hana Micron, and SK Group are also moving forward with new plans. SK, after investing billions of USD in Vietnamese firms, including Vingroup, Masan, and Pharmacity, is planning three LNG-to-power projects worth over US$10 billion, alongside initiatives in AI, hydrogen, logistics, green agriculture, and innovation.

LG Energy Solution has also explored investment opportunities in northern Phu Tho province, proposing cooperation in electric vehicle battery production, charging stations, and battery-swapping infrastructure, using official development assistance (ODA) funding from the Korean Government.

Industry experts agreed that if these strategic projects from Korean investors are realised, they will not only strengthen the Republic of Korea's position as one of Vietnam’s top investors but also serve as a catalyst for broader FDI growth, attracting more global technology firms to Vietnam’s strategic industries.

Korean investors eye US$60 million resort – golf club project in Gia Lai

VOV.VN - A consortium of Korean investors has proposed a US$60 million investment in a luxury resort and golf course complex in Vietnam’s Central Highland province of Gia Lai.