FDI reaches US$23 billion in 2015

Up to 2,013 projects with US$15.58 billion in foreign investment were granted licences as of December 15, surging 26.8% in terms of the number of projects, but plunging 0.4% in terms of capital over the same period last year. Meanwhile, 814 existing projects were also allowed to increase their capital by US$7.18 billion.

During the reviewed period, FDI disbursement reached an estimated US$14.5 billion, surging 17.4% year-on-year, GSO said.

The manufacturing and processing sector attracted the lion's share of FDI at US$15.23 billion, accounting for about 67% of the nation's FDI. The production and distribution of electricity, gas, hot water and steam, and air conditioners ranked second with US$2.81 billion FDI or 12.4%, while real estate trading came third with US$2.39 billion or 10.5%.

Ho Chi Minh City beat 48 cities and provinces to become the most attractive destination for foreign investors. The city lured more than US$2.81 billion, comprising 18% of the total FDI registered in the country.

It was followed by Tra Vinh Province with US$2.52 billion or 16.2%, Binh Duong Province with US$2.46 billion or 15.8%, Dong Nai Province with US$1.47 billion or 9.4% and Hanoi with US$910.7 million or 6%.

Other localities that also attracted FDI are Haiphong City (US$573.1 million), Tay Ninh Province (US$503 million) and Quang Ninh Province (US$374 million).

Among 58 countries and territories that have invested in Vietnam, the Republic of Korea is the country's largest source of FDI with US$2.68 billion, accounting for 17.2% of the total new FDI, followed by Malaysia with US$2.45 billion or 15.7% and Japan with US$1.28 billion or 8.2%, besides the United Kingdom with US$1.26 billion or 8.1% and Taiwan (China) with US$940.4 million or 6%.

Experts said Vietnam was likely to attract more foreign investment next year and in the future because of the opportunities and advantages resulting from free trade agreements (FTAs).

.

Source: VNS