After a slight slowdown at the beginning of the year, foreign direct investment (FDI) into Vietnam accelerated strongly in the first quarter of 2026. Total registered capital reached US$15,2 billion, an increase of more than 42% compared to the same period last year, while disbursed capital also reached its highest point in the 2022-2026 period.
1. The overall picture: A surge in newly registered capital.
According to the latest figures, as of March 31, 2026, the total registered FDI capital in Vietnam reached US$15,2 billion, an increase of 42,9% compared to the same period last year. This growth mainly comes from large-scale newly approved projects.
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New registered capital reached US$10,23 billion with 904 projects, a 2,4-fold increase in value and a 6,4% increase in the number of projects.
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Capital adjustments: There were 251 projects that increased their capital with a total value of US$2,30 billion, a decrease of 55,1% compared to the same period last year.
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Capital contributions and share purchases: Reached $2,66 billion (703 transactions), 2,3 times higher than the same period in 2025.
2. The processing and manufacturing industry maintains its leading position.
FDI flows continue to be deeply concentrated in substantive manufacturing sectors, reflecting investors' confidence in Vietnam's supply chains.
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The manufacturing industry attracted $8,85 billion (including both new and adjusted investments), accounting for 70,6% of the total capital. If only considering new investments, this sector reached $7,07 billion (69%).
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Energy production and distribution (electricity, gas, water, etc.): Ranked second with $2,28 billion, accounting for 18,2% of total registered capital.
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Other sectors: Reached $1,4 billion, accounting for 11,2%.
3. Capital disbursement: A bright spot in terms of disbursement quality.
Along with the increase in registered capital, the disbursement rate of FDI capital recorded very positive results. Actual FDI capital is estimated at US$5,41 billion, an increase of 9,1% compared to the same period last year. This is the highest level of actual capital disbursed in the first quarter of the 2022-2026 period.
Of these, the manufacturing industry led with $4,48 billion (accounting for 82,8%); followed by Real Estate ($389,5 million) and Energy ($196,1 million).
4. Singapore and South Korea lead the capital flow.
Among the 52 countries and territories with newly approved projects, Singapore ranked first with US$5,32 billion (accounting for 52% of new investment capital). South Korea held second place with US$3,68 billion (accounting for 35,9%). The next positions were held by China (US$417,5 million) and Hong Kong (US$256,8 million).
5. Overseas investment: Impressive growth
Conversely, investment activities by Vietnamese businesses in international markets also recorded a strong surge in the first three months of the year:
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Total investment capital (newly granted and adjusted): Reached $619,9 million, 2,6 times higher than the same period last year.
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Number: 48 newly approved projects ($597,2 million) and 4 capital adjustments ($22,8 million).
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Market: Among the 28 countries receiving investment, Laos led with $176,7 million (28,5%), followed by Kyrgyzstan ($149,9 million) and the United Kingdom ($82,8 million).
Source: VNEconomy online newspaper
