FDI disbursement rises 8.8% in seven months

Foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments soared 4.6% year on year to US$22.94 billion in the January-July period. Of the amount, fresh approvals increased 2.2% to US$13.2 billion while investors added US$4.95 billion to existing projects or equivalent to 84.2% of the same period last year.

Foreign investors injected their money in 17 sectors and areas. Manufacturing and processing continued to be the most appealing sector by attracting US$9.63 billion from January to July, accounting for 41.95% of the total registered investment. It was followed by real estate trading with US$5.6 billion (24.4%) and retail and wholesale with US$1.69 billion  (7.4%).

Japan remained the leading foreign investor by pouring US$6.88 billion into Vietnam during the period. The Republic of Korea ranked second with US$5.46 billion, while Singapore came next with US$2.73 billion.

According to the FIA, foreign investors were present in 59 cities and provinces. Of them, the capital lured the largest share US$6.17 billion. Ho Chi Minh City and the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau were runners-up with US$4.12 billion and US$2.15 billion.