Speaking to The World and Vietnam Report on the occasion of the Autumn Economic Forum 2026 (AEF 2026), former US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper and Mr. Mercier Pierre Gabriel Nicolas, representative of NEX Vietnam LLC, discussed the factors driving foreign investment and the outlook for investment in Vietnam.

Three pillars for attracting high-quality investment

Former US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper shares his views on the key factors in attracting high-quality investment to Vietnam. (Photo: Thanh Long)

Mr. Marc Knapper, former US Ambassador to Vietnam and adviser to the Vietnam International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City (VIFC-HCMC), highlighted three key factors in attracting high-quality investment to Vietnam: policy stability and transparency, infrastructure, and human resources.

According to Mr. Knapper, investors undertaking projects with a 20-30-year investment horizon need a transparent and consistent legal environment over the long term.

Investors also look for integrated infrastructure, a reliable electricity supply and a skilled workforce capable of meeting the requirements of the financial services and high-tech sectors.

Regarding prospects for cooperation between US and Vietnamese financial institutions, Mr. Knapper identified three areas with considerable potential: asset management; trade and supply chain finance; and green and infrastructure finance.

He noted that following Vietnam's stock market reclassification by FTSE Russell as an emerging market, international investment funds have gained further opportunities to establish a presence in Vietnam.

Meanwhile, Vietnam's renewable energy potential and infrastructure development needs also create opportunities to mobilise capital through bond issuance and other financial instruments.

In his capacity as an adviser to VIFC-HCMC, Mr. Knapper recommended that Ho Chi Minh City prioritise simplifying administrative procedures, enhancing transparency and facilitating investment through a one-stop-shop mechanism.

The city should also publicly disclose its development priorities, project pipeline and priority sectors, enabling investors to determine the timing, scale and structure of their investments.

At the same time, a skilled workforce with expertise in finance and high technology would help strengthen the centre's operational capacity.

Assessing the role of AEF 2026, Mr. Knapper said the forum provides a platform for policymakers, businesses and investors from Vietnam and the United States to meet, exchange ideas and explore opportunities for cooperation.

According to Mr. Knapper, Vietnam-US economic relations have a solid foundation, but considerable scope remains for both countries to expand cooperation, advance agreements and translate opportunities into concrete investment projects.

Building confidence among foreign investors

Mr. Mercier Pierre Gabriel Nicolas, representative of NEX Vietnam LLC, assesses Vietnam's investment prospects and business environment. (Photo: Thanh Long)

Praising the dynamism and vitality of Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Mercier Pierre Gabriel Nicolas, representative of NEX Vietnam LLC, said these qualities were among the city's most attractive features for foreign investors.

As one of Vietnam's major economic centres, Ho Chi Minh City attracts considerable interest from international investors, reinforcing confidence in the country's investment and business prospects, he said.

Regarding the investment climate, Mr. Mercier acknowledged Vietnam's positive progress in improving operating conditions for foreign businesses.

He noted that foreign businesses are finding it increasingly easier to access financing from major domestic and international banks operating in Vietnam.