Workers on a production line at an industrial park in Bac Ninh Province. (Photo: NGOC TRAM)

Strong growth in FDI

On the very first working day of 2025, Bac Ninh Province granted Investment Registration Certificates and approved investment policies for 18 domestic and foreign enterprises, with total capital of 1.8 billion USD, of which foreign direct investment (FDI) accounted for 1.67 billion USD (fulfilling the annual plan for 2025).

According to Nguyen Viet Hung, Director of the Department of Finance, FDI attraction in Bac Ninh since the beginning of 2025 has increased 3.9 times in terms of newly registered and adjusted capital compared to the same period in 2024, positioning Bac Ninh as the leading province in the country for FDI attraction.

Bac Ninh remains steadfast in selectively attracting FDI projects based on the criteria of “Two Less, Three High, Four Ready, One No” (i.e. less land use, less labour-intensive; high investment capital per project, high technology, high economic efficiency; readiness in terms of land availability, high-quality human resources, policy mechanisms and administrative reforms, and business support; and no environmental pollution). Quarterly, provincial leaders meet with entrepreneurs to engage in open dialogues and address business challenges.

Nguyen Anh Tuan, Secretary of the Bac Ninh Provincial Party Committee, affirmed that the province always welcomes and highly values the contributions of FDI enterprises while committing to accompanying investors in their development process. During the meeting, provincial leaders directly addressed investors' concerns regarding land allocation for project implementation, the construction of dormitories for experts and workers, work permits for foreign employees, and the improvement of transportation connectivity within industrial zones.

In 2024, Hai Phong City attracted 4.9 billion USD in FDI, nearly 1.3 times higher than in 2023, ranking second nationwide. In 2025, Hai Phong aims to attract 4.5 billion USD in FDI.

Le Trung Kien, Head of the Hai Phong Economic Zone Authority, stated that since the beginning of the year, the city has sent investment promotion delegations to countries with strengths in high-tech industries and leading global corporations in the fields of electricity, electronics, and semiconductor chips.

Numerous cooperation agreements, memorandums of understanding, and investment commitments in existing industrial zones, as well as the emerging Southern Coastal Economic Zone, have been signed, opening positive prospects for the near future. In the first two months of 2025, the city attracted 278 million USD in FDI, bringing the total number of active FDI projects to over 1,000 from 42 countries and territories, with total investment capital of 34.31 billion USD, contributing more than 86% of the city’s export value.

Chen Chi Liang, General Director of Pegatron Vietnam, emphasised that a safe social and business investment environment is the key factor for businesses to continuously invest in financial resources, technology, equipment, and expand production in Hai Phong. After five years of operation, from an initial factory of over 275,000m² producing electronic and semiconductor components, in 2025, the company has invested in two additional factories covering over 384,000m² and is constructing two more buildings totalling over 515,000m² to further expand production. The company currently employs nearly 6,000 workers and plans to increase this number to over 10,000 in the near future.

Ha Nam Province also aims to attract 1 billion USD in FDI in 2025, having already secured 500 million USD in the first quarter, marking a strong start toward achieving and surpassing the set target. With a development strategy that integrates industrial zones with urban and service areas, prioritising high-tech and environmentally friendly industries, the province continues to select reputable investors with strong financial capabilities.

Recently, the prime minister approved the establishment of a High-Tech Park in Ha Nam, covering 663 hectares in Ly Nhan District. The province has invested in convenient transportation infrastructure, connecting the High-Tech Park with the Hanoi–Hai Phong and Cau Gie–Ninh Binh expressways.

Expanding infrastructure to welcome large investors

The leadership of these provinces and cities remains committed to supporting and facilitating the growth of the FDI sector in a practical and effective manner.

Le Tien Chau, Secretary of the Hai Phong Party Committee, emphasised that in 2025, Hai Phong aims for an economic growth rate of 12.5%, contributing positively to the national growth target of 8% or higher. To achieve this, the city is focusing on expanding and developing new economic growth drivers. The Southern Coastal Economic Zone, covering 20,000 hectares, is being developed into a world-class, multi-sectoral green economic zone. It will feature high-tech industries, modern logistics services, smart urban areas, eco-tourism, and a new-generation free trade zone, creating a favourable environment for both domestic and international investments.

With a strong commitment to achieving double-digit economic growth in 2025, Bac Ninh Province will continue to intensify external relations and proactively attract investment from key international markets.

Encouraging investment in industry and services, particularly in high-potential sectors, and transitioning towards new industries, the province plans to work with major FDI investors to increase the occupancy rate of industrial parks and prepare infrastructure for large-scale investment projects.

The Ha Nam Provincial People's Committee has directed the Industrial Zone Authority to collaborate with localities in developing infrastructure connecting industrial parks, planning social housing projects, and ensuring that housing is available for workers when industrial zones become operational. The province is also ensuring ready infrastructure, clean land, energy supply, and human resources to attract major investment projects.

Truong Quoc Huy, Secretary of the Ha Nam Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of Ha Nam Provincial People's Committee, has urged departments and local authorities to proactively identify and resolve business challenges, particularly in land clearance, administrative reforms, and cost reduction, to help businesses quickly commence operations.