Vietnam Pivots to Next-Gen FDI, Targeting High-Tech and Value-Added Industries

Vietnam attracted 34.65 billion USD in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first six months of 2026, while realised FDI reached its highest first-half level in five years, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO). Instead of concentrating mainly on attracting foreign capital, Resolution No. 10-NQ/TW emphasises building a foreign-invested sector that is closely integrated with the domestic sector to create new growth drivers for the country. Over the past 50 years, Ho Chi Minh City has demonstrated resilience, dynamism and a pioneering spirit. Building on this historic foundation, it is creating new appeal on the global economic map by making a strong shift from labour-intensive industries to attracting next-generation foreign direct investment, particularly in high technology. Enterprises would receive State support covering 50% of interest payments on commercial loans used for technology application, transfer and innovation projects, capped at 6% a year for up to five years. The campaign is expected to stimulate domestic consumption, boost retail sales, support economic growth, promote Vietnamese brands and encourage consumers to prioritise locally made products while attracting international visitors via shopping events. The figures recorded in the first half of 2026 just reflected positive short-term results. Long-term success would depend not only on the growth pace but also on the quality and resilience of the economy and the sustainability of growth engines. With the current trading band of +/- 5%, the ceiling rate applicable for commercial banks during the day is 26,481 VND/USD, and the floor rate 23,959 VND/USD. According to a recent report by BIDV Securities (BSC), these projects span residential and urban developments, airports, expressways, high-speed rail, industrial facilities and other strategic infrastructure. The advisory board will support research, provide policy advice and recommend strategic directions for the centre’s development, the VIFC-HCMC Executive Board said. Under the plan, Hanoi aims to maintain annual gross regional domestic product (GRDP) growth of 11% during 2026–2035 and 2036–2045, before easing to 5% during 2046–2065 and 4.5% during 2066–2085. The Ho Chi Minh City Development Joint Stock Commercial Bank (HDBank – HoSE: HDB) has successfully raised 721 million USD in an international syndicated loan from international financial institutions in the form of a Social Loan. Around the world, investors are increasingly choosing locations based not only on costs and logistics, but also on renewable energy, carbon performance, circular economy solutions and ESG standards, experts said. Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil Bui Van Nghi informed that two-way trade reached 4.22 billion USD in the first six months of 2026, up 16.8% year-on-year. Brazil's exports to Vietnam exceeded 2 billion USD, rising 16.6%, while its imports from Vietnam totalled about 2.11 billion USD, an increase of 17%. The restored Kunming–Nha Trang route is expected to cater to growing travel demand and facilitate tourism, trade and cultural exchanges between Vietnam and China. Among the 218 economies assessed this year, Vietnam was one of only six to be upgraded to a higher income category by the WB Group. The move marks a notable milestone after 17 years in the lower-middle-income group, where Vietnam had remained since 2009. For Vietnam, the challenge is not simply adopting new technologies but ensuring that supply chains are sustainable and capable of generating long-term value. The company sold 172,299 motorcycles in June, up 4.7% from the same month last year, highlighting steady consumer demand even as the market gradually shifts towards greener transport options. For the first six months of 2026, motorcycle sales reached 515,743 units, up 0.6% year-on-year. Developed under a strategic cooperation agreement between the Vietnamese and Japanese governments, the nearly 1,000-hectare industrial park is expected to become the city's first eco-industrial park under the country's new regulatory framework. A key target is that by 2030, all concentrated agricultural, forestry and fisheries production areas will have access to essential services, including product traceability, quarantine, testing, quality certification, processing and market development. The move reflects growing international demand for stricter food safety, quality and traceability standards, which have become increasingly important for agricultural exports. The magazine said the VF 2 retails at 188 million VND (7,200 USD) with the battery included, making it one of the most affordable electric cars in the Vietnamese market. Vietnam's young population, dynamic market, and big growth potential are a perfect fit for the strengths that Korean micro-businesses bring in K-brands, technology, and service expertise, said KFME President Song Chi Young. It marked the first time an automotive brand in Vietnam has exceeded 100,000 vehicle deliveries in the first half. With auto loan interest rates remaining competitive, stable vehicle supply, and an increasingly diverse product range, Vietnam's automotive market is expected to maintain its growth momentum through the remainder of 2026. SUVs, MPVs, and hybrid vehicles are likely to remain the main drivers of overall market sales. Copyright, VietnamPlus, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) Editor-in-chief, Mr. Tran Tien Duan.