Record-breaking number of enterprises established in the first half of 2025: Over 152,000 fresh businesses launched during this period
Vietnam's business landscape has experienced a significant revival in 2025, with a noticeable surge in the establishment of new businesses and foreign direct investment (FDI). This resurgence is driven by renewed investor confidence, supportive government policies, rapid digitalization, and a focus on high-value and sustainable industries.
Renewed Investor Confidence and Policy Support -----------------------------------------------
International investors are showing stronger trust in Vietnam’s business climate, leading to new projects and significant expansions of existing ones. This is demonstrated by a 32.6–33% year-on-year increase in registered FDI for the first half of 2025, reaching over $21.5 billion.
Vietnam’s manufacturing and tech sectors are seen as resilient and attractive, supported by government policies such as Resolution 57 (focusing on AI and semiconductors) and Decree 182 (offering tax incentives and funding for high-tech ventures).
Digital Economy and E-commerce Growth ---------------------------------------
The rapid expansion of the digital economy and e-commerce is reshaping investment trends. In 2024, the e-commerce market size exceeded $25 billion, and major platforms like Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and Tiki saw a 40% increase in gross merchandise value (GMV) year-on-year. This trend continued into 2025, making Vietnam a leading destination for digital and tech-related FDI.
Sustainability and Large-Scale Projects ---------------------------------------
High-profile, sustainability-focused projects—such as Sweden’s SYRE’s $1 billion circular textiles hub and the Trump Organization’s $1.5 billion project in Hung Yen province—signal long-term commitment from foreign investors.
Industries Most Affected ------------------------
Manufacturing, semiconductors and electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), digital economy and e-commerce, sustainable/green industries, and electricity production and distribution are the sectors most affected by this growth.
- Manufacturing remains the engine of FDI growth, receiving over 66% of total inflows in 2024. - Semiconductors and electronics exports surged to $72.6 billion in 2024, a 26.6% year-on-year increase, with Samsung’s continued expansion being a major contributor. - VinFast’s push into global markets, supported by FDI and government policies, highlights growth in the EV sector. - The e-commerce market size exceeds $25 billion, with major platforms experiencing rapid growth. - Large projects focused on circular textiles and sustainability signal a trend toward green investments. - Relevant for Vietnamese overseas investment, electricity production and distribution are also important domestically as infrastructure needs grow.
Summary -------
Vietnam’s business and FDI environment in 2025 is thriving due to strong investor confidence, supportive government policies, rapid digitalization, and a focus on high-value and sustainable industries. The manufacturing and tech sectors—especially semiconductors, electronics, EVs, and digital commerce—are at the forefront of this growth. Large-scale, sustainable projects further highlight Vietnam’s appeal as a destination for long-term investment and business expansion.
Total registered foreign investment in Vietnam as of the end of June 2025 stood at US$21.5 billion, up 32.6% year-on-year. On average, approximately 25,500 businesses joined the market each month in the first half of 2025. The number of businesses resuming operations in June 2025 increased by 91.1% compared to the same period last year. Total realised investment capital at current prices in the second quarter of 2025 was approximately VNĐ921.5 trillion, up 10.5% year-on-year.
In the first six months of 2025, over 152,700 new businesses entered the Vietnamese market. In June 2025, more than 24,400 new enterprises were established nationwide. Outward investment from Vietnam in the first half of 2025 also saw 18 projects adjust capital upwards by a combined $129.4 million. The number of businesses resuming operations in June 2025 was 14,400.
In the first half of 2025, over 127,200 enterprises withdrew from the market. In June alone, nearly 10,100 businesses temporarily suspended operations pending dissolution procedures. In total, outward investment during the first half of 2025 amounted to $487.1 million, 3.6 times higher than a year earlier. The combined capital adjustment of outward investment projects in the first half of 2025 was seven times higher year-on-year. For the six-month period, total realised investment capital approached VNĐ1.6 quadrillion, marking an increase of 9.8%. Outward investment from Vietnam in the first half of 2025 soared, with 86 new projects granted investment registration certificates, totaling $357.7 million.
- The surge in foreign direct investment (FDI) in Vietnam, reaching over $21.5 billion in the first half of 2025, is indicative of the heightened AI-driven technological industry, as evidenced by government policies like Resolution 57 and Decree 182 supporting AI and semiconductors, and high-tech ventures respectively.
- The digital economy and e-commerce sectors have witnessed substantial growth, with major platforms like Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and Tiki experiencing a 40% increase in gross merchandise value (GMV) year-on-year, making Vietnam a significant destination for digital and tech-related FDI.
- The focus on sustainability and green industries is evident in large-scale projects, such as the SYRE's $1 billion circular textiles hub and the Trump Organization's $1.5 billion project in Hung Yen province, which signal long-term commitment from foreign investors, further bolstering Vietnam's appeal for investment and business expansion.
