The Politburo recently issued Resolution No. 10-NQ/TW on the development of the foreign-invested economic sector, marking a significant milestone in foreign investment policy in Vietnam. As one of the Communist Party of Vietnam’s highest-level policy documents, the Resolution will guide the Government’s future foreign investment laws, regulations, and policies. It therefore provides valuable insight into the direction of Vietnam’s investment environment over the coming years.
One of the Resolution’s most important messages is the reaffirmation that the foreign-invested sector is an integral component of Vietnam’s national economy. The Resolution views foreign direct investment (“FDI”) as more than a source of capital. It recognizes FDI’s role in technology transfer, modern management, workforce development, market expansion, and stronger competitiveness. At the same time, the Resolution also emphasizes equal treatment for foreign-invested enterprises. It supports fair competition with other economic sectors under Vietnamese law.
The Resolution also signals a fundamental shift in Vietnam’s investment strategy. Rather than focusing mainly on investment capital, Vietnam aims to build a national investment platform that prioritizes quality over quantity. Vietnam will gradually shift investment attraction away from competition among localities. It will instead focus on industrial clusters, value chains, and innovation ecosystems. Future investment policies will emphasize advanced technologies and technology transfer. They will also promote R&D, global supply chain participation, value creation, and stronger links between foreign and domestic enterprises.
Another noteworthy policy direction is the transition from traditional investment incentives toward performance-based support mechanisms. Rather than granting incentives based solely on investment inputs, the Government is expected to provide support linked to investors’ actual fulfillment of their commitments, including technology transfer, environmental sustainability, innovation, localization, and long-term contributions throughout the entire lifecycle of an investment project.
Beyond attracting investment projects, the Resolution envisions the development of a comprehensive investment ecosystem. It calls for the coordinated development of domestic enterprises, capital markets, international financial centers, free trade zones, industrial parks, high-tech zones, innovation centers, logistics infrastructure, digital infrastructure, and energy systems. The Resolution encourages multinational corporations to set up regional headquarters and service centers in Vietnam. This supports the country’s goal of becoming a regional hub for manufacturing, services, innovation, and business operations.
The Resolution further reiterates Vietnam’s commitment to maintaining a transparent, stable, and predictable investment environment. It emphasizes the protection of intellectual property rights, property rights, investment capital, income, and other lawful interests of foreign investors. In addition, it calls for efficient dialogue mechanisms between investors and competent authorities, timely resolution of concerns and complaints, and the promotion of commercial mediation and arbitration as effective means of resolving investment disputes.
Looking ahead, the Resolution sets ambitious targets. By 2030, Vietnam aims to become one of ASEAN’s leading investment destinations. It also seeks to attract USD 200-300 billion in newly registered FDI, with about 75% coming from developed economies. By 2045, Vietnam aspires to become a highly competitive regional center for manufacturing, services, innovation, and business management in Asia.
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