Vietnam Shifts to Attracting High-Value FDI for Sustainable Growth

After nearly four decades, Vietnam has become a highly open economy with deep regional and global integration. FDI has played a pivotal role in the country’s development, with cumulative registered capital nearing 550 billion USD and more than 46,000 active projects. Resolution No. 10-NQ/TW, issued by the Politburo in 2026 on the development of the foreign-invested sector, identifies foreign direct investment (FDI) as “an important component of the national economy” and “a key driver of economic development and international integration.” This signals a major shift in the country's investment attraction strategy, moving away from prioritizing labor-intensive projects towards seeking high-quality investments capable of driving technological progress, innovation, sustainable development, and stronger participation in global value chains. This strategic shift indicates Vietnam's transition to a new phase of economic growth. For instance, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan noted that Vietnam's total trade may exceed 1 trillion USD in 2026, supported by the effective use of new-generation free trade agreements (FTAs). In the agricultural sector, agro-forestry-fishery exports reached 36 billion USD in the first half of 2026, up 6% year-on-year, with several products showing strong performance and significant export potential. Commitment to sustainability is also expanding at the corporate level. Nguyen Van Hung, Vice Chairman of the Cua Lo Ward People’s Committee, stated that nearly 20% of hotels in the locality have installed rooftop solar systems, helping reduce electricity costs and ease pressure on the power supply. This highlights the importance of energy efficiency and investment in renewable energy for balancing economic growth with environmental protection. Furthermore, Vietnam is strengthening its international cooperation. Czech representatives spoke highly of the potential for cooperation with Da Nang and affirmed their readiness to help connect Czech enterprises with Vietnamese partners. Meanwhile, working sessions between Deputy PM Nguyen Van Thang and Dutch partners have strengthened the foundation of financial cooperation, opening opportunities for experience sharing, market connections, and new initiatives in finance, technology, and innovation. These developments suggest Vietnam's evolution from a mere manufacturing hub to an economy that emphasizes advanced technology, innovation, and sustainable development. This reflects Vietnam's economic development strategy under its one-party system, aiming for qualitative improvement in alignment with global trends.