Dong Nai shifts FDI strategy toward high-tech, high-value-added sectors

In the first 9 months of 2026, Dong Nai attracted nearly US$2.4 billion in registered foreign direct investment (FDI), equivalent to almost 80% of its annual target. Investment in the city's industrial parks (IPs) reached nearly US$1.9 billion, surpassing the full-year target. Dong Nai now has more than 2,300 active FDI projects, with total registered capital exceeding US$46.7 billion.

Speaking to Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television, Pham Viet Phuong, Deputy Head of Dong Nai Industrial Parks and Economic Zones Authority (DNIEZA), said investment from various countries and territories reflected the continued appeal of Dong Nai's IPs to international investors.

FDI shifts toward high-tech sectors

*How would you assess the quality of FDI attracted to Dong Nai in the first nine months of 2026?

Mr. Pham Viet Phuong

During the first 9 months of 2026, Dong Nai's IPs attracted 169 FDI projects with total registered capital of nearly US$1.9 billion. Of these, 67 were newly registered projects with capital totaling nearly US$909 million, while 102 existing projects registered additional investment of nearly US$980 million.

Among the newly registered projects, processing and manufacturing accounted for 62 of the 67 projects, or nearly 93%, and almost 83% of total newly registered capital. Industrial real estate, factory facilities and logistics together accounted for more than 17% of registered capital in the IPs.

The quality of FDI is also improving, with investment increasingly focused on high-tech, high-value-added sectors such as electronics, electronic components, optical equipment, communications equipment, data centers and cloud computing. Major investments include US$271 million from Coherent and US$80 million each from Jabil and Mingsure.

Another notable trend is the growing demand for ready-built factories. Of the 67 newly registered projects, 49, or more than 73%, chose to lease existing factory space. The leased premises cover approximately 281,000 square meters and represent total investment of around US$481.5 million, accounting for about 53% of newly registered capital.

This trend reflects investors' desire to shorten project preparation times and start operations sooner. It also helps improve land-use efficiency in IPs. Overall, Dong Nai's IPs recorded strong FDI inflows in the first 9 months of 2026. The investment mix is also gradually shifting toward high-tech and high-value-added manufacturing, supporting industries, logistics and technology infrastructure, in line with the city's goal of attracting higher-quality investment in the years ahead.

*What advantages does Dong Nai have in attracting FDI?

Dong Nai has a long-established industrial base, a substantial base of foreign-invested enterprises, a skilled technical workforce, and a diverse network of manufacturers and supporting service providers. These strengths are important to new investors, who consider not only the location of a project but also access to suppliers, customers, logistics services, skilled workers and established supply chains.

Dong Nai also benefits from convenient transport links with Ho Chi Minh City and the southern key economic region. It can further capitalize on Long Thanh International Airport, its expressway network, seaports, logistics facilities and major interregional infrastructure projects under development. Existing industrial parks, together with those planned for the coming years, also provide considerable scope for industrial expansion.

In addition, the expanding supply of factories, warehouses, logistics facilities and support services gives investors more options and strengthens Dong Nai's appeal to high-tech and supporting-industry projects.

*What challenges will Dong Nai face in attracting investment in the coming period?

Despite these advantages, Dong Nai faces several challenges. In the past, the priority was to secure enough industrial land to attract investment. Today, however, investors pursuing higher-quality FDI projects require a more complete ecosystem, including cleared land ready for handover, a reliable power supply, clean water, wastewater treatment, digital infrastructure, logistics services, factories that meet required standards, skilled technical workers and production support services. The key issue, therefore, is no longer simply how much industrial land is available, but how much of it is genuinely ready for investment.

High-tech applications in production at Vnines Innovation Joint Stock Company in Giang Dien IP, Trang Bom ward.

Power infrastructure is becoming a decisive factor for projects related to data centers, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor manufacturing and highly automated production and electrification projects. These projects require substantial power capacity, a reliable and high-quality electricity supply, and access to green energy. Power generation and grid infrastructure must therefore be planned and developed in coordination from the site-selection stage.

Differences in development conditions between northern and southern Dong Nai also pose a challenge. The city is taking steps to narrow these gaps by improving transport, power and water infrastructure, logistics services, workforce development and social amenities, while expanding its capacity to accommodate new FDI projects.

A more selective approach to FDI attraction

*What should the DNIEZA do to enhance Dong Nai's competitiveness and attract more investors?

Going forward, the city aims to shift decisively from attracting investment by volume to a more selective approach. Priority will be given to high-tech projects and core technologies, including semiconductors, electronics, AI, data centers, green industries and modern logistics. The city will also favor projects that generate high value added, are less labor-intensive, use resources efficiently and meet environmental standards.

To advance this strategy, the DNIEZA is coordinating with relevant agencies to develop policies for transforming and restructuring existing IPs. The board is also drawing up a list of priority projects and establishing criteria and conditions for attracting strategic investors to develop IP infrastructure and undertake major projects within the parks. These efforts are expected to improve the investment environment and enhance the competitiveness of Dong Nai’s IPs.

In the first 9 months of 2026, all investment-related administrative applications were processed ahead of schedule or within the prescribed time limits. The DNIEZA has made procedures more transparent and supported investors from the project preparation stage, helping reduce repeated requests for additional documents. This has helped shorten the time needed to complete administrative procedures and move projects toward implementation.

As part of its administrative reform efforts, the board processes applications for investment registration certificates within the statutory time limits. For projects not subject to investment policy approval, the processing period is 10 working days from receipt of a complete and valid application. For certain projects that have received investment policy approval and completed investor selection in accordance with regulations, the certificate is issued within five working days. Projects subject to special investment procedures are processed within 15 working days.

Alongside administrative reform, the board is accelerating digital transformation in investment management and promotion. Its priorities include building a shared database and developing an investment promotion portal to consolidate information on enterprises, infrastructure and operations across the city's IPs and economic zones. Standardizing and regularly updating data, while ensuring that it remains accurate, complete, reliable and up to date, will help improve management, support businesses and give investors faster, more transparent access to information. These efforts are expected to make investment promotion more effective and strengthen Dong Nai's competitiveness as an investment destination.

By N. Lien – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha