Vietnam is shifting its economic strategy away from low-cost manufacturing toward high-tech sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors, especially in response to new U.S. tariff policies that have added uncertainty to global trade. Despite these challenges, Vietnam’s foreign direct investment (FDI) remained strong in early 2025. In the first four months, FDI pledges reached US$13.8 billion, a 40% year-on-year increase, while disbursed capital totaled US$6.7 billion, the highest in five years for the same period. Although the number of new projects rose by 14.1%, total registered capital declined by 23.8%, indicating a shift in investment patterns. Sixty economies contributed FDI, with Singapore leading, followed by mainland China, Japan, and others. Finance Minister Nguyen Van Thang highlighted that U.S. and European firms are still expanding or establishing supply chains in Vietnam, reflecting confidence in the country’s growing role in global manufacturing and its transition toward more advanced industries. (ICE HO CHI MINH CITY)

Fonte notizia: The Saigon Times