There were 2,534 newly licensed projects totaling US$11.03 billion in pledged capital, a 12.6 percent increase in project count but a 8.1 percent decrease in value. 

Foreign investors increased investment capital by almost US$10.65 billion in existing projects, up 85.9 percent from the same period last year.

Meanwhile, total capital contribution and share purchases by foreign investors were estimated at US$4.46 billion, up 58.8 percent year-on-year.

Singapore was the largest foreign investor in Viet Nam, with US$3.06 billion, making up 27.8 percent, followed by China with US$2.65 billion, accounting for 24 percent, Sweden with US$1 billion, and Japan with US$877.9 million.

During January-August, realized FDI capital hit US$15.4 billion, up 8.8 percent, the highest figure recorded over the recent five years.

Manufacturing and processing remained the top destination, receiving US$12.57 billion and accounting for 81.6 percent of total realized FDI. Real estate activities followed with US$1.24 billion, making up 8 percent, while electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply attracted US$563.6 million, accounting for 3.7 percent.

During the reviewed period, Vietnamese investors poured US$556.2 million overseas, 3.8 times higher than the same period last year.

Among 33 overseas investment destinations, Laos remains the top recipient, with a total registered capital of US$150.3 million from Vietnamese investors. The Philippines ranked second with US$61.8 million, followed by Indonesia with US$60.5 million./.