Foreign-invested sector treated equally in Vietnam: Party chief

The foreign-invested sector is an important component of Vietnam’s economy and is treated on an equal footing with the domestic economic sectors, said Party General Secretary To Lam.

Receiving leaders from more than 40 major international corporations and enterprises that are members of the Asia Business Council in Hanoi on Thursday, the Party chief noted that businesses play a key role in shaping new value chains, promoting flows of trade, investment, technology, and data, and connecting economies more efficiently, sustainably, inclusively, and with greater resilience to challenges and crises.

Emphasizing that Vietnam is a socialist-oriented market economy under the leadership of the Communist Party and the management of the State, Lam briefed the corporate executives on national development achievements and major orientations toward creating a stable, transparent, and highly adaptive environment.

The goal is to position Vietnam as a strategic destination for global investment flows and a hub for science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, he noted.

The Party chief stressed that the 14th National Party Congress has defined Vietnam’s long-term vision and strategic directions, particularly the establishment of a new development model based on five key pillars: improving modern, transparent, and predictable institutions; developing synchronized and modern infrastructure; fostering high-quality human resources; making science, technology, and innovation the primary driving force; and promoting green and sustainable development based on a green economy and an inclusive and green society.

In this process, Vietnam identifies the private sector as the most important growth driver. The foreign-invested sector is considered an important part of the economy, treated equally and encouraged to develop in a long-term, sustainable manner, he said, adding they are entitled to cooperating, linking and competing fairly with other economic sectors.

“Vietnam is ready to accompany businesses in building more efficient, greener, more sustainable, and more resilient supply chains, and is committed to being a reliable partner, a responsible member, and an attractive destination in global and regional economic networks,” Lam affirmed.

On this occasion, the Party General Secretary welcomed practical comments and proposals at the meeting, reflecting businesses’ interest, understanding, and aspirations regarding the Vietnamese market and economy. He asserted that Vietnam will encourage domestic enterprises and entrepreneurs to expand cooperation and partnerships with foreign businesses.

The Party leader stated that he will direct Vietnamese authorities across the legislative, executive, and judicial sectors, as well as the entire political system to create the most favorable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises and entrepreneurs to grow, expand international cooperation, and rise to regional and global levels within global supply chains.

Representing the business delegation, Arif Rachmat, chairman of the Asia Business Council, expressed high appreciation and confidence in Vietnam’s potential and its strategic development orientations in the new development phase.

Leaders of the corporations expressed strong impressions of Vietnam’s advantages in attracting foreign investment and affirmed their continued contributions to the country’s faster and smarter development as it enters a new phase.

They committed to continuously expanding both the scale and areas of investment in the country, prioritizing infrastructure development, artificial intelligence, green and clean energy, smart agriculture, supporting industries, logistics, software, and financial services.

As of February 28, 2026, investors from 153 countries and territories had invested in Vietnam with 45,933 projects, with total registered capital exceeding $533.4 billion. South Korea leads, followed by Singapore, Japan, and Taiwan, according to the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Finance.

Cumulative disbursed foreign investment capital reached $353.45 billion, equivalent to about 66.2% of total valid registered capital.

The foreign-invested sector consistently accounts for over 70% of Vietnam’s total annual export turnover. In the first two months of this year, its export value (including crude oil) was estimated at over $60.3 billion, up 30.1% year-on-year, accounting for 77% of total exports.

Imports by the foreign-invested sector were estimated at over $56.8 billion, up 42.2% year-on-year, accounting for 72% of total imports. As a result, the sector recorded a trade surplus of more than $3.5 billion including crude oil ($3.3 billion if excluding crude oil), while domestic enterprises recorded a trade deficit of over $6.5 billion.