Foreign Investment in Vietnam Reaches $50 Billion, Industrial Park Profits Drop 80%

Key pointsAccording to a report by SSI Research, foreign direct investment (FDI) registered in Vietnam increased by 76.4% over nine months in 2026, yet net profits for industrial park companies decreased by 40%. This paradox indicates a gap between economic growth and corporate profitability.
Business impactJapanese companies need to recognize that the influx of foreign investment does not necessarily lead to profits and should reconsider their investment strategies. Particularly in industrial parks, new approaches are required to ensure profitability.

Key pointsVietnam has approximately 329,200 food and beverage service establishments, with a slight decrease of only 0.1% compared to the end of 2025. This indicates a gradual easing of closures following a strong culling. Local coffee and tea brands are enhancing their value and strengthening connections with regional consumers. Additionally, the local educational environment is improving with the opening of new international standard elementary schools.
Business impactJapanese companies need to strengthen differentiation strategies and provide products and services that meet local consumer needs amid intensifying competition.

Key pointsBy 2025, Vietnam is expected to rank 4th in global shipbuilding orders, with a total volume reaching approximately 2 million GT. In 2024, it also recorded 4th place in total volume of delivered vessels. This growth highlights the significant role of Vietnam's shipbuilding industry in the development of the country's maritime sector. The construction of new multi-purpose escort vessels has also begun, indicating ongoing industry restructuring.
Business impactThe growth of Vietnam's shipbuilding industry presents investment opportunities in the maritime sector for Japanese companies, particularly in exploring technological partnerships and joint development.

Key pointsTesla has established a corporation in Ho Chi Minh City and is preparing for future automobile sales. The establishment of the corporation is a legal step for Tesla to enter the Vietnamese market, but specific sales plans and product lineups have not yet been disclosed. Tesla's entry is expected to intensify competition in the domestic electric vehicle market.
Business impactTesla's entry may change the competitive landscape for Japanese automotive manufacturers. In particular, pricing and service quality will be crucial factors in the high-end electric vehicle market.

Key pointsIn Vietnam, there is a need to review management methods to enhance the efficiency of project management. The government should focus on standards, contracts, and audit tools, using quality, progress, cost, safety, and investment effectiveness as measurement criteria. Particularly for large-scale projects, it is crucial to centralize responsibility, with general contractors overseeing the entire project and being accountable for the results. This is expected to improve project transparency and efficiency.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, changes in project management methods will necessitate a review of contract terms and risk management approaches, especially in contracts with general contractors, where clarification of responsibilities and risk-sharing mechanisms will be required.

Key pointsT&T Group announced the development of the 495MW wind power project Savan 2 in Laos after operating the 300MW Savan 1. The total investment is approximately $768 million, with commercial operations expected to begin by the end of 2028. This project is anticipated to strengthen Vietnam's power supply and contribute to national energy security.
Business impactThis project highlights the importance of renewable energy in Vietnam's energy market and presents new investment opportunities for Japanese companies to ensure energy supply stability.

Key pointsIn Vietnam, the competition for attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is evolving due to digital transformation and green transition. The quality of the investment ecosystem is becoming a key competitive factor, alongside traditional tax incentives and low costs. A resolution from the Politburo on June 8, 2026, calls for strengthened collaboration between FDI enterprises and domestic companies, emphasizing technology transfer and cooperation with local firms. The actual FDI amount has reached a five-year high, showing a 76.4% increase.
Business impactJapanese companies need to enhance technology transfer and collaboration with local firms to adapt to the new policies that prioritize the quality of FDI. It is particularly important to consider the government's new conditions when formulating investment plans.

Key pointsThe Mayor of Can Tho, Thuan Khanh Chuyen, indicated a commitment to pursue accountability for any violations identified by the audit agency regarding the lottery company. The city plans to request reports from various agencies based on the audit results and conduct necessary investigations. Specifically, it has been reported that lottery companies in Can Tho, Soc Trang, and Hau Giang have incurred significant expenses for customer entertainment from 2024 to 2025, raising questions about the business relevance of these expenditures.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, the auditing system and corporate transparency in Vietnam are crucial, and trends in the lottery industry may impact related businesses. Companies need to strengthen risk management based on audit findings.