New FDI strategy for 2018-2023 focusing on priority sectors and quality of investments, rather than quantity. The new policy aims to increase foreign investment in high-tech industries, rather than labor-intensive sectors. Manufacturing, services, agriculture and travel are the four major sectors in focus.

Sectors in focus

The four major sectors in focus are:

• Manufacturing – It includes high-grade metals, minerals, chemicals, electronic components, plastics and high-tech;

• Services – Includes MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) along with logistics;

• Agriculture – Includes innovative agricultural products i.e. high-value products such as rice, coffee, seafood and;

• Travel – High-value tourism services

Investment priority

 Priorities of FDI investments on a short-term and medium-term basis. In the short-term, industries with limited opportunities for competition will be prioritized.

Industries include:

• Manufacturing/Production – Automotive and transport equipment OEMs and suppliers;

• Environmental-friendly technology – Water conservation, Solar, Electric -Wind investments.

In the long-term, the emphasis is on sectors that focus on skills development, including:

• Manufacturing – Manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment;

• Services – Services include education and health services, financial services, and financial technology (Fintech);

• Information technology and intellectual services

It is should be remove of entry-barriers and optimizing incentives for foreign investors such that their effect on the economy is maximized. 

Need to do more

Going forward, Vietnam has to ensure that it moves away from a low labor cost economy to one focusing on technology and skilled labor. The government has to do more than just attract investments into high-value added activities. Vietnam should also focus on diversifying FDI sources, enabling domestic firms, and increasing investments in infrastructure.

Majority of the foreign investments in Vietnam are from Korea, Japan, and Singapore. Rather than been over-dependent on Asian countries, Vietnam has to promote itself further and increase investments from the EU, US, and other countries outside Asia-Pacific. With the EU-Vietnam FTA and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Vietnam has an opportunity to increase investments from countries outside Asia.

Foreign firms in Vietnam are offered huge tax and other incentives such as exemptions or reductions in corporate income tax, import duties, and VAT. However, domestic firms that already lack the capital and technology of foreign firms are not provided any of those incentives, further hampering their growth. The government has to find a fine balance between providing incentives to domestic and foreign firms to improve competitiveness. To increase linkages, the government can incentivize foreign firms engaged with local firms, if it wants FDI to have a long and positive effect on the economy.

One key sector not mentioned is infrastructure. As the country progress and investments increase, infrastructure will play a crucial role in the economic development. Infrastructure projects, which are in dire need of funds in Vietnam cannot be fulfilled by the domestic sector and would require foreign capital. The government has to prioritize infrastructure projects and incentivize foreign investments to reduce the increasing gap between the current and needed investment levels. Infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, power grids, ports, and industrial parks should be a priority for the government going forward.

Lawyers for business and foreign investment.