Investment remained a major driver of economic growth in central Nghe An province during the first nine months of 2026, alongside strong industrial production.

During the 9-month period, the province granted investment approval for 61 new projects and adjusted 127 existing projects, with total newly registered and additional capital exceeding VND106.6 trillion ($4.05 billion), 3.15 times higher than the same period last year. Foreign direct investment (FDI) reached $2.46 billion.

According to Mr. Trinh Thanh Hai, Director of the Nghe An Department of Finance, the province’s gross regional domestic product (GRDP) is estimated to grow by 9.72–10% in the period, within the 9.69–10.64% growth scenario set at the beginning of the year.

Industry and construction continued to serve as the main growth engine, expanding an estimated 14.44%, with industrial production alone rising 16.89%. The industrial production index (IIP) increased 21.49%, while manufacturing and processing grew 25.79%.

The services sector also recorded solid growth. Retail sales and consumer service revenue reached an estimated VND147.7 trillion ($5.61 billion), up 14.26%.

Exports were another bright spot, with merchandise export turnover reaching an estimated $5.18 billion, up 55.61% year-on-year and already exceeding 3.64% of the annual target.

Tourism also maintained its recovery, with Nghe An welcoming an estimated 9.89 million visitors in the first nine months, up 12%. Tourism revenue reached approximately VND12.09 trillion ($459 million), an increase of 15% year-on-year.