AsemconnectVietnam - The "new generation" FDI attraction strategy is expected to become a crucial driving force in promoting restructuring, improving the quality and competitiveness of Vietnam's industrial sector.

The industrial sector always plays a fundamental role in the socio-economic development process of each country. For Vietnam, developing industry in an efficient, sustainable, environmentally friendly manner and making good use of resources is identified as a key condition to realize the goal of becoming a developing country with a modern industrial sector and high middle income by 2030.
In the first five years of implementing the 10-year socio-economic development strategy 2021-2030, despite unfavorable international developments and a global economic downturn, Vietnam's industrial sector has maintained relatively high growth.
The value added and the industrial production index have continuously increased, making a significant contribution to the overall economic growth. For the 2021-2025 period, Vietnam's economy was estimated to achieve an average growth rate of approximately 6.1% per year; specifically, the industrial and construction sector was projected to reach 6.4% per year, with the industrial sector grew at 6.4% and the manufacturing sector at 7.4% per year.
The structure of industrial production continued to shift in a positive direction. The economy has been gradually reducing its dependence on mineral exploitation and labor-intensive industries, while the proportion of manufacturing has been increasing and gradually shifting towards higher-tech sectors. The power generation and transmission grid systems have received significant investment, especially in renewable energy, contributing to ensuring sufficient electricity supply for production, business, and consumption.
In 2025, the industrial and construction sector accounted for 37.65% of the national economy, higher than the 36.7% in 2020. Goods exports were estimated to reach approximately US$475 billion, a 17% increase, with processed and manufactured goods accounting for 88.7% of total exports. Many industrial product groups, such as electronics, textiles, footwear, and wood products, have established a strong position in the global market, placing Vietnam among the top 20-25 exporting countries worldwide.
Notably, export value relied heavily on FDI enterprises, accounting for approximately 70-75% of total export value. Supporting industries have been developing slowly, heavily dependent on imported raw materials and components; imports of production materials account for over 80% of total import value.
FDI optimization challenge
Entering the period leading up to 2030, the global economy is projected to recover, but slowly and with many potential risks. Meanwhile, major trends such as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, digital transformation, green transformation, energy transition, and restructuring of global supply chains are increasingly impacting industrial production. In this context, Vietnam's industrial development requires a strong shift in its growth model, with attracting "new generation" foreign investment identified as a crucial driving force.
According to the Institute for Strategic and Policy Research in Industry and Trade, attracting FDI in the coming period should not only focus on expanding capital scale, but also shift strongly towards quality, efficiency, and linkages. The focus should be on attracting investment flows with high technology, modern environmental standards and management, concentrating on high-tech industries, supporting industries, and high value-added stages in the global production chain.
Simultaneously, the "new generation" FDI attraction policy needs to be closely linked to the requirements of technology transfer, increasing the localization rate, and strengthening linkages between FDI enterprises and domestic enterprises. This is a key condition for gradually reducing dependence on the foreign investment sector, while enhancing the self-reliance and competitiveness of the national industry.
To realize this goal, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has identified several major directions. First, it is necessary to continue perfecting a comprehensive, modern, and highly adaptable industrial development policy system. Policies need to be focused and prioritize high-tech industries, emerging industries, and supporting industries, while significantly improving the production and business environment, accelerating the digitalization of administrative procedures, and ensuring fair competition.
Investment promotion and attraction activities need to be reformed in a proactive and selective manner, linked to the long-term development orientation of each industry and region. The formation of large-scale industrial enterprises and corporations capable of leading domestic supply chains is considered fundamental to enhancing the position of Vietnamese industry in the region and the world.
Developing high-quality human resources is an indispensable pillar. Training needs to be closely linked to the practical needs of businesses and new industrial development trends; expanding international cooperation to access advanced knowledge, technology, and management methods; and building a team of managers and researchers capable of advising and implementing industrial policies in the context of deep integration.
Another important aspect is promoting science and technology and innovation. The "new generation" FDI policy needs to create a favorable environment for research, development, and technology transfer, encouraging businesses to undergo digital transformation, green transformation, and energy transformation. In particular, attracting investment in the domestic production of high-tech materials, new materials, and raw materials is considered a key solution to reduce imports and increase added value.
CK
Source: VITIC/congthuong.vn