HCM City Maintains Top Spot in FDI as Southeast Becomes Magnet for Global Investors
HCM City, The Gulf Observer: Despite recent administrative reorganisations, the southeast region continues to assert its role as Vietnam’s most dynamic economic hub, attracting billions of dollars in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first seven months of 2025.
HCM City led nationwide with inflows of US$6.2 billion, followed by Đồng Nai with US$1.8 billion and Tây Ninh with US$1.215 billion, reaffirming the region’s standing as a key destination for global investors.
In Đồng Nai, authorities have maintained their selective approach to investment, prioritising large-scale projects with advanced technology, skilled labour and contributions to supporting industries. The province boasts 81 industrial zones and 63 clusters over more than 42,000 hectares, making it one of Vietnam’s primary industrial centres.
Over the past 35 years, Đồng Nai has attracted nearly 2,200 projects worth more than $41.4 billion from investors representing 51 countries and territories. Major corporations such as Amata, C.P. (Thailand), Nestlé (Switzerland), Cargill and Coherent (US), and Hyosung (South Korea) have established a strong foothold in the province.
In the first seven months of this year, Đồng Nai licensed 85 new projects worth over $605 million, while 103 existing ones expanded with an additional $943 million. Provincial People’s Committee Chairman Võ Tấn Đức pledged continued assistance for investors, with priority for high-tech ventures.
Tây Ninh Province, meanwhile, has positioned industrial infrastructure as a key driver of growth. Its development blueprint until 2030 envisions 59 industrial parks, 82 industrial clusters, four international border gates, three border gate economic zones and one international port.
With targeted economic growth of 9–9.5 per cent in 2025 and over 10 per cent in subsequent years, the province has launched strategic projects, including the Bình Hòa Nam No.1 Industrial Park in Đức Huệ Commune. The 322-hectare project, worth VNĐ3.9 trillion ($156 million), is expected to expand industrial capacity southwards and accelerate restructuring towards industrialisation and modernisation.
Deputy Chairman of the Tây Ninh People’s Committee, Huỳnh Văn Sơn, urged investors to ensure timely implementation and environmental sustainability, while directing authorities to expedite coordination for the park’s early operation.
HCM City continues to dominate in attracting FDI, with its export processing and industrial zones securing $2.43 billion as of July 29, contributing to a total of more than $3.6 billion. Over $1 billion has been channelled into high-tech projects, including a $42 million semiconductor equipment plant by BE Semiconductor Industries N.V (Netherlands) and a $48 million expansion by Amazon Data Services Việt Nam (US).
People’s Committee Chairman Nguyễn Văn Được highlighted FDI as a bright spot demonstrating the city’s sustained appeal to global corporations. To maintain momentum, HCM City has stepped up international promotion efforts in Singapore, Malaysia and major trade fairs, while improving infrastructure and reducing reliance on tax incentives.
The city, which recently integrated Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu and Bình Dương provinces, is leveraging new opportunities for inter-regional value chains in industry, services and logistics. It targets $10.44 billion in FDI in 2025, with $7 billion expected in the former HCM City area.
Future priorities include establishing an international financial centre, completing the metro system, and expanding logistics and digital infrastructure to reinforce its position as the nation’s growth locomotive.
With its infrastructure strengths, international gateways and increasingly selective investment policies, the southeast region is consolidating its role as a magnet for multinational corporations, forming a solid foundation for sustainable growth and contributing to Vietnam’s national investment strategy amid intensifying global competition.
