Attracting investment: Bright spot in the economic landscape

Amid ongoing volatility in the global economy, Dong Nai’s attraction of nearly US$1.4 billion in investment in the first quarter of 2026 is not only an impressive figure but also a clear reflection of a shift in the province’s development mindset. Notably, foreign direct investment (FDI) reached approximately US$803 million, accounting for nearly 60% of total investment, underscoring Dong Nai’s continued appeal to international investors.

Hyosung Group of the Republic of Korea is the largest FDI investor in Dong Nai. Photo: Huong Giang

What is notable is that behind these figures lies not simply an increase in quantity, but a change in quality. While Dong Nai was once known as an “industrial hub” with many labor-intensive projects, its investment-attractiveness landscape is now clearly shifting toward a more selective approach. New projects are concentrated in supporting industries, high technology, and logistics sectors, which offer high added value, greater environmental friendliness, and alignment with the orientation toward sustainable development.

This transition is the result of a long-term, deliberate strategy. More than a decade ago, Dong Nai began pursuing a strategy of selective investment attraction, prioritizing investors with strong financial capacity, advanced technology, and long-term commitment. This approach has helped lay the foundation for a modern industrial ecosystem capable of deeper integration into global value chains.

A key driver of Dong Nai’s investment appeal lies in its rapidly improving infrastructure. The year 2026 is seen as a pivotal period as several major national projects in the province, including Long Thanh International Airport, the Bien Hoa–Vung Tau Expressway, and the Ben Luc–Long Thanh Expressway, are being accelerated toward completion and operation. The synchronized development of road, air, rail, and waterway transport is expected to enhance Dong Nai’s position in the regional logistics network, significantly reducing transport costs, an aspect that investors consistently prioritize.

Alongside infrastructure, administrative reform has served as a “soft lever” delivering tangible results. In practice, the time required to process investment procedures in Dong Nai has been significantly shortened, in some cases to just 24 hours for complete applications. The provincial authorities have actively supported businesses and worked to resolve obstacles. As a result, many companies, after achieving initial success in the province, have repeatedly expanded their investment capital several times over, including Nestlé, C.P., Lixil, Bosch, and Hyosung.

However, the positive results recorded in the first quarter of 2026 represent only an initial step. To sustain double-digit growth, the province must continue improving its investment environment. This endeavor includes attracting not only large-scale projects but also those that meet high standards in clean technology and energy efficiency, thereby generating greater added value.

At the same time, the issue of high-quality human resources is becoming increasingly pressing. As investment flows shift toward high-tech industries, demand for skilled, adaptable workers will continue to rise. Without appropriate training strategies, Dong Nai risks missing opportunities to move up the value chain.

Notably, at present, Dong Nai has met the criteria to become a centrally governed city. In this context, investment attraction will be a key driver enabling the province to accelerate socio-economic development and emerge as a major growth pole of the country. This occasion is a critical moment for Dong Nai to reaffirm its strategic direction, attract high-quality capital, develop synchronized infrastructure, and build a development-facilitating administration.

If it continues to attract both domestic and foreign investment effectively, Dong Nai will not only maintain its position as one of the country’s leading industrial centers but also potentially evolve into a modern, green, and sustainable city in the region.

By K.Minh – Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho