Vietnam stands at a critical juncture in its economic transformation journey. To sustain rapid economic growth in the coming years, the nation seeks a significant shift in its foreign direct investment (FDI) strategy. This involves attracting high-quality, high-tech investment, which currently constitutes just a small fraction of its total FDI inflows.
A New Era for Foreign Investments
At the Vietnam Connect Forum 2025, experts highlighted a transformative vision. Lim Dyi Chang, of UOB Vietnam, emphasized the importance of moving from mere capital recipients to strategic value creators. The success of such a strategy hinges not just on capital volume but on its ability to nurture industries and spur regional progress.
Transforming the Investment Landscape
With over 42,760 foreign-invested projects, Vietnam is among the top 15 FDI inflow nations globally. Yet, only a slender 5% of this is in high-tech sectors, as noted by Deputy Minister of Finance Do Thanh Trung. To unlock greater potential, a strategic pivot towards selective investment prioritizing innovation is essential.
Strategic Opportunities in High-Tech
Koen Soenens from DEEP C Industrial Zones highlighted the vast potential within high-tech industries such as AI and semiconductors. Moving beyond low-cost manufacturing models could position Vietnam as Southeast Asia’s innovation hub. Achievable short-term goals, especially in chip design or testing, are vital stepping stones in this journey.
Building a Robust Infrastructure
A transformation of this magnitude demands substantial improvements in infrastructure and human resources. Ensuring green energy and skilled talent remains pivotal. Nguyen Mai, former chairman of the Vietnam Association of Foreign-Invested Enterprises, underscores increased public investment in R&D and innovation.
Enabling a Sustainable Future
For Vietnam to sustain its position as a competitive FDI hub, several factors must align. These include infrastructure readiness, a robust regulatory environment, strong public-private partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability. According to Vietnam Investment Review - VIR, broad investments in these areas, coupled with building trust and transformation, are pivotal.
Vietnam’s drive towards becoming a high-value, future-ready investment destination is an ambitious endeavor. However, with determined efforts, innovative policies, and strategic collaborations, the nation is poised to capture the next wave of high-tech FDI, shaping its path to prosperity.