Southeast Region Remains a Top Attraction for Foreign Direct Investment, with Ho Chi Minh City in the Lead
In the dynamic landscape of Vietnam's economic growth, the southern region is making a significant impact, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and positioning itself as a global investment hub.
Ho Chi Minh City (HCM City) is leading the charge, with experts attributing the revival of FDI flows to its improved competitiveness and supportive policies. The city received an impressive $6.2 billion in FDI in the first seven months of 2025 alone, with over $3.6 billion accumulated as of July 29. Multinational corporations are drawn to HCM City's infrastructure advantages, international gateways, and increasingly selective investment policies, making it an emerging magnet for such businesses.
Notable high-tech projects in HCM City include a $42 million semiconductor equipment manufacturing plant by BE Semiconductor Industries N.V (the Netherlands) and a $48 million expansion by Amazon Data Services Việt Nam (the US). The city is also focusing on major programs such as developing an international financial centre, completing its metro network, and expanding its logistics and digital infrastructure in the coming years.
The HCM City authorities have promised continued assistance and the best conditions to investors, with a particular focus on high-tech projects. This commitment is echoed in Đòng Nai, where the People's Committee Chairman, Võ Tấn Đức, has pledged to provide continued assistance and the best conditions to investors, with priority given to high-tech projects. Đòng Nai, home to major corporations such as Amata, C.P. (Thailand), Nestlé (Switzerland), Coherent, Cargill (the US) and Hyosung (South Korea), boasts over 81 industrial zones and 63 industrial clusters, completed and planned. In the first seven months of 2025, Đòng Nai licensed 85 new projects with registered capital of over $605 million.
Tây Ninh, another rising star, aims for economic growth of 9-9.5% in 2025 and over 10% in subsequent years. The province identified industrial infrastructure as a crucial driver of growth and approved the construction of the Bình Hòa Nam No.1 Industrial Park, with an investment of VNĐ3.9 trillion ($156 million) by Hoàn Cầu Long An Co., Ltd. Tây Ninh received $1.215 billion in FDI in the same period.
The merger of Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu and Bình Dương provinces with HCM City increases opportunities for creating inter-regional value chains linking industry, services, and logistics. This regional collaboration is contributing to shaping the national investment strategy in an era of intensifying global competition.
To sustain growth, HCM City is actively soliciting investment in Singapore, Malaysia, and major international trade fairs, while also improving the business environment and reducing dependence on tax incentives. This proactive approach is key to maintaining the region's momentum and ensuring its continued success in the global market.
However, it's worth noting that as of July 2025, the search results do not specify any companies that have invested more than $156 million in Tay Ninh Province. This underscores the need for continued efforts to attract large-scale investments and solidify the region's position as a global investment hub.
In conclusion, the southern region of Vietnam is thriving as a global investment hub, with HCM City, Đòng Nai, and Tây Ninh leading the charge. With a focus on high-tech projects, infrastructure development, and a business-friendly environment, these areas are poised for continued growth and success in the years to come.
