The opening five months of the year has seen Ho Chi Minh City attract a combined total of US$1.6 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), 57.67% of the figure in comparison with the same period from last year, according a conference held on June 4 to discuss the southern city’s socio-economic development.

The reviewed period saw Japan top the list of the 47 countries and territories that currently invest in the southern metropolis, participating in a total of 44 projects worth US$80.5 million, therefore earning a lion’s share of 32.4%  in additional capital.

Singapore came second after putting in US$50.8 million in terms of registered capital, trailed by Hong Kong (China) and the Republic of Korea.

Moreover, the southern city’s budget hit a figure close to VND139.40 trillion, equivalent to US$6 billion, over the course of January and May, reaching 34.35% of the yearly estimate and 84% when compared to the corresponding period from last year.