The forum was organized by RMIT Vietnam with support from the Southern Investment Promotion, Information and Support Center (SIPISC) under Vietnam’s Foreign Investment Agency, Ministry of Finance. Stakeholders from government, academia, and local and international businesses gathered to discuss how Vietnam is shaping the future of foreign direct investment (FDI) through strategic reforms and multilateral collaboration.
Under the theme “Attracting FDI to Vietnam in the rising era: multi-stakeholder dialogues for breakthroughs,” the forum underscored Vietnam’s transition from a cost-based investment destination to a hub for innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation.
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Stakeholders from government, academia, and local and international businesses gathered to explore how Vietnam is shaping the future of FDI at the recent Global Business Forum. Photo courtesy of RMIT |
Professor Robert McClelland, Dean of the Business School, opened the forum by highlighting Vietnam’s impressive FDI performance.
In the first half of 2025 alone, Vietnam attracted over $21.51 billion in FDI, a 32.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This growth, fueled by manufacturing, real estate, green technology, and scientific research, reflects the country’s rise as a regional leader in innovation and sustainable development.
Tran Thi Hai Yen, Director of SIPISC, stressed the government’s commitment to building a transparent, competitive investment environment. Despite global economic uncertainty, realized FDI in 2024 reached $25.35 billion, up 9.4% year-on-year and the highest in six years. This contrasted with the global trend, where FDI fell 11% to $1.5 trillion, according to UNCTAD. She said this underscored Vietnam’s resilience and growing appeal to international investors.
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Tran Thi Hai Yen, Director of the Southern Investment Promotion, Information and Support Center under Vietnam’s Foreign Investment Agency, Ministry of Finance (SIPISC). Photo courtesy of RMIT |
Alexander Ziehe, Chairman of the German Business Association (GBA), reaffirmed Vietnam’s importance to German investors. According to the AHK World Business Outlook Spring 2025, 80% of German companies in Vietnam rated business conditions positively, while 38% planned expansion within two years. Ziehe acknowledged challenges such as administrative complexity and talent shortages but reiterated GBA’s commitment to long-term partnership.
During a panel discussion, Sam Conroy, President of the Australian Chamber of Commerce (Auscham), highlighted Australia’s growing interest in infrastructure and supply chain investments. “Recent policy reforms have reduced risks for Australian investors, making Vietnam a more attractive destination,” he said.
J.P. Shriram, Chairman of the Indian Business Chamber in Vietnam (Incham), pointed to untapped opportunities for Indian investment. He encouraged cooperation between the two countries, noting that both are promising consumer markets and investment destinations. He also emphasized Vietnam’s efforts to develop international financial centers in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang as key draws for Indian investors.
From the domestic side, Huynh Thanh Van, Chairman of the Southern National Startup Support Advisory Council and Chairman of S Furniture, shared how FDI partnerships help local firms move up the value chain while inspiring young entrepreneurs to innovate. “Social responsibility should be a core value, not just an obligation,” he said, urging Vietnamese enterprises to align with global standards to attract quality investment.
Associate Professor Abel Alonso, senior lecturer in the International Business program at RMIT Vietnam, stressed that beyond incentives and infrastructure, investor confidence depends on transparency, ease of doing business, and sectoral diversification.
“Vietnam’s multilingual workforce and expanding services sector could be key differentiators in the next wave of FDI,” he said.
Dr. Dang Thao Quyen, Interim Associate Head of Management, Learning, and Teaching and Senior Program Manager of the International Business program at RMIT’s Business School, emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration.
“Vietnam’s breakthroughs in FDI attraction will not come from a single stakeholder,” she said. “They will arise through synergy among government, international and local businesses, academia, and young professionals. Open conversations are essential to resolve bottlenecks, foster cooperation, and move toward win-win outcomes.”
She also called for aligning Vietnam’s FDI strategy with global trends in innovation and sustainability.
“We must go beyond transactional investment and embrace strategic partnerships that strengthen Vietnam’s position in global value chains,” Dr. Quyen added. “That means investing in human capital, digital infrastructure, and inclusive governance. The future of FDI in Vietnam is not just about attracting capital; it’s about attracting commitment, creativity, and shared purpose.”
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The panel discussion brought together diverse perspectives from international chambers and domestic enterprises. Photo courtesy of RMIT |
Vietnam’s strategic focus on high-quality FDI has been reinforced by recent policy updates and prioritized sectors. The National Strategy on Foreign Investment Cooperation (2021–2030) targets both the quantity and quality of FDI, with emphasis on high-tech and digital industries.
Decision No. 29/2021/QD-TTg and Decree No. 182/2024/ND-CP provide tax and land incentives and establish an investment support fund for large-scale projects.
As Vietnam continues to define its investment narrative, the Global Business Forum 2025 affirmed the country’s readiness to lead in a new era of sustainable, strategic, and collaborative growth.
