AusCham Joins Southern Investment Connectivity Forum 2025 to Promote High-Quality FDI Partnerships

Ho Chi Minh City, 28 November, 2025 - Government leaders, provincial authorities, business associations, and foreign investors convened in Ho Chi Minh City for the "Southern Investment Connectivity Forum” to discuss strategies for enhancing investment cooperation and attracting high-quality foreign direct investment (FDI) into the southern region. AusCham participated in the event, represented by Director Rodney Stone, reaffirming the Chamber’s commitment to supporting deeper economic ties between Australia and Vietnam.

According to the Foreign Investment Agency, Vietnam has to date attracted more than 44,000 FDI projects with total registered capital exceeding USD 525 billion, sourced from 153 countries and territories. The southern region continues to play a decisive role, accounting for approximately 61% of national registered FDI, with around 27,000 active projects valued at USD 272 billion.

In the first ten months of 2025, Vietnam recorded USD 31.52 billion in newly registered, adjusted, and contributed FDI capital — an increase of 15.6% year-on-year. Disbursed FDI reached USD 21.3 billion, up 8.8% compared with the same period in 2024. Despite global uncertainties, these figures highlight Vietnam’s rising profile as a stable and competitive investment destination.

At the forum, senior officials emphasized that 2025 marks a pivotal year for the country. Vietnam’s economy is projected to surpass USD 500 billion in scale, record growth of over 8%, and reach USD 5,000 in GDP per capita, positioning the nation to transition into the upper-middle-income group.

Delegates underscored the government’s priority of attracting high-quality, technology-driven, value-added FDI aligned with sustainable development objectives. The southern region, encompassing Ho Chi Minh City and dynamic industrial provinces, is expected to lead this shift, supported by ongoing improvements in infrastructure, administrative reform, and investment facilitation.

Speaking at the event, AusCham Director Rodney Stone highlighted the strong potential for enhanced economic cooperation with Australian businesses, particularly in advanced manufacturing, clean technology, logistics, and high-value services. He noted that Australia’s capabilities in innovation and sustainability position Australian firms well to contribute to Vietnam’s next phase of industrial upgrading.

AusCham welcomes the government’s commitment to fostering a transparent, efficient, and predictable investment environment. The Chamber looks forward to continuing its collaboration with authorities and partners to support Australian investors and promote high-quality, sustainable economic growth in southern Vietnam.