Vietnam to Broaden Foreign Investment Access, Prioritizing Quality Growth

Vietnam is set to enhance its foreign direct investment (FDI) strategy, positioning it as a key driver for transforming its growth model towards quality, value addition, and improved self-reliance. This strategic shift is seen by many experts and businesses as a timely boost to capitalize on the ongoing global supply chain realignment. According to Resolution No. 10-NQ/TW, issued by the Politburo on June 8, 2026, Vietnam aims to attract between $200-300 billion in registered FDI during the 2026-2030 period. A significant portion, 75%, is expected to come from developed economies with strong technological capabilities, financial resources, and modern governance. The resolution targets placing Vietnam among ASEAN's leading countries by 2030 in terms of investment climate, competitiveness, innovation, public service quality, and capacity to attract high-quality foreign investment projects. By 2045, the foreign-invested sector is projected to contribute 30% of the country's GDP. Nguyen Van Duoc, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, proposed priorities linked to the Vietnam International Financial Centre (VIFC) to draw new-generation, high-quality capital flows. These include shifting from a project-attraction approach towards building an investment ecosystem and positioning the IFC as a strategic instrument for implementing Vietnam’s new-generation FDI strategy. Economic indicators show positive momentum. The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) rose 11.9% year-on-year in the first eight months of 2026, marking the highest growth rate for the period in many years. Furthermore, foreign investors carried out 1,815 capital contribution and share purchase transactions in Vietnam in the first seven months of 2026, with total capital exceeding $6.5 billion. While the number of transactions fell 8.4% year-on-year, their value surged by 61.6%, indicating a trend towards larger, higher-quality investments. This enhanced FDI strategy aligns with Vietnam's broader economic goals under its one-party system, emphasizing long-term development and balancing globalization with domestic socio-economic objectives. The focus on attracting quality FDI is particularly significant in the context of diversifying supply chains and reducing economic reliance on any single country. However, achieving these ambitious targets will necessitate continued improvements in the investment environment, including regulatory reforms, infrastructure development, and human resource enhancement.