According the General Statistics Office (GSO), as at 20 February 2016, 291 newly licensed projects are approved with total capital over USD1.905 billion, surging 96.6 percent in the number of projects and 167.5 per cent in the level of capital compared to 2015. While another 137 operating projects, which expanded their investments, contributed $898.3 million. GSO noted that disbursements of foreign direct investment (FDI) also recorded a yearly rise of 15.4 per cent to an estimated $1.5 billion compared to 2015.
During the reviewed period, the manufacturing and processing sector accounted for more than 71.2 per cent of the total FDI pledged in the country, as it attracted $1.995 billion. This was followed by the entertainment industry, with $210.6 million, accounts for 7.5%, other sector reached USD597.8 million, accounts for 21.3%.
In the first two months, Ha Noi retained its position as the most attractive investment destination with $242.4 million in investments, totaling 12.7 per cent of FDI pledged in the country.
The northern provinces of Bac Giang and Bac Ninh came in second and third with $206.1 million or 10.8 per cent, and $200.6 million or 10.5 per cent, respectively. They were followed by Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province with USD157.1 million; accounts for 8.2%; HCM City with USD155.9 million; Dong Nai Province with USD142.7 million, accounts for 7.5% and Ha Tinh Province with USD139 million, make of 7.3%; Binh Duong with USD129.7, accounting for 6.8%.
Out of 31 nations and territories, Singapore remained Viet Nam's largest source of FDI, with $435.2 million and making up 22.8 per cent of the nation's total new registered FDI in the past two months. It was followed by Malaysia with $233.2 million or 12.2 per cent; South Korea ($202.4 million or 10.6 per cent); and Japan ($160.6 million or 8.4 per cent); Hong Kong ($153.5 or 8.1%; China $141.1 or 7.4%, UK $141, 7.4%, Taiwan $119.8, 6.3%).
Source VNS