Japan ups investment in Vietnam

Vietnam has attracted more Japanese capital despite a considerable fall in foreign direct investment (FDI) in recent months.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MoPI) reported that the country lured 548 FDI projects with a total capitalisation of $8 billion in the past seven months.

Japan alone injected $4.29 billion into 55 projects, accounting for 53.4 percent of the total capital and 10 percent of the total project number, making it the largest foreign investor in Vietnam.

Hideo Okubo, President of the Tokyo-based Forval Corporation, says Vietnam remains an attractive destination for Japanese businesses, as stated in a survey conducted by the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO).

Another survey conducted by a Japanese newspaper shows that Vietnam has outdone India and Thailand to become an ideal place for opening production bases.

The northern port city of Hai Phong has emerged as an attractive destination for Japanese businesses. It has so far drawn $926 million from FDI projects, ranking second after Binh Duong province that has lured more than $1.7 billion.

The city has developed specialised industrial parks and support industries targeting Japan’s small and medium-d businesses.

Alongside mammoth Bridgestone and Nipro Pharma Vietnam projects, other Japanese-invested projects valued less than $30 million each are focused on metal products, medical equipment, telecommunication accessories, electronics, hydraulic equipment for the construction sector, and industrial vehicles.

The MoPI forecast that Japanese businesses will continue to select Vietnam as a safe and attractive investment destination.

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