Vietnam Attracts Over $40 Billion in FDI, Focusing on High-Tech and Semiconductor Sectors

Vietnam has achieved a significant breakthrough in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), registering over $40 billion in the first eight months of 2026. The Red River Delta region is identified as a major hub for FDI, benefiting from its geographical advantages, infrastructure, and effective business support policies. Quang Ninh province, in particular, has attracted an estimated $1.117 billion in FDI during the first eight months of 2026, primarily in economic and industrial zones. This figure underscores the province's strong appeal as it prepares to officially transition to a centrally-governed city in September 2026. To achieve its growth target of over 13% in 2026, Quang Ninh is prioritizing investment attraction in high-tech, renewable energy, high-quality tourism, and semiconductor sectors. With its new status, the province is exploring unique mechanisms for its economic and industrial zones to enhance its competitive edge in attracting new FDI, with a focus on projects in electronic components, supporting industries, high technology, green industry, and renewable energy. This strategic move aligns with the national economic restructuring strategy aimed at increasing technological content and sustainable development. Bac Ninh province also continues to show positive signs in FDI attraction, with cumulative investments reaching over $14.5 billion in the first eight months of 2026. The province's industrial production index (IIP) in August increased by 22.15% compared to the same period in 2025, indicating sustained production activity. For the first eight months, the IIP is estimated to have grown by 20.21%, with the processing and manufacturing industry playing a dominant role. Haiphong city has met 85% of its 2026 FDI attraction plan by the end of August, with total capital estimated at $3.47 billion, a 1.8-fold increase year-on-year. This achievement reflects the effectiveness of the city's implemented solutions, including infrastructure development, integration with port systems and logistics, and a commitment to improving the investment and business environment. Administrative procedures have been streamlined, with processing times cut by 50%, and regular engagement with businesses helps address emerging challenges. According to Resolution No. 27-NQ/TW dated August 28, 2026, of the Politburo on national spatial development, the Red River Delta region is designated to focus on developing cultural industries, electronics, digital technology, semiconductors, and logistics, aiming to become the leading northern growth engine in high-quality human resources, science-technology, and innovation, deeply integrated into global value chains. Economic experts suggest that to effectively achieve this role, localities in the region must adopt a new mindset in attracting FDI, shifting from quantity to quality. This involves prioritizing projects with advanced technology, high added value, and significant spillover effects. The focus should be on attracting multinational corporations in sectors like semiconductors, electronics, digital technology, AI, logistics, and new-generation industries. Priority should be given to projects that include research and development centers, commit to technology transfer and high-skilled labor training, and utilize Vietnamese enterprises in their supply chains. Enhanced regional connectivity, the formation of a synchronized investment ecosystem (infrastructure, human resources, logistics, innovation), and administrative reforms are crucial. Furthermore, preferential policies must be linked to tangible results, transforming FDI into a driver for enhancing productivity, technological capacity, and Vietnam's position in global value chains.