Vietnam is rapidly positioning itself as a prime hub for high-tech investment and innovation, with major global players like Nvidia, Samsung, Qualcomm, Meta, and Google establishing a significant presence. The country’s ambition to become a key player in the global value chain is increasingly becoming a reality.

At the 2025 National Innovation and Private Capital Investment Forum, held on April 22 in Hanoi by the National Innovation Center (NIC) and the Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Vietnam Private Capital Association (VPCA), a new report on Vietnam's innovation and private investment landscape was released - highlighting optimism despite global volatility.

Investor confidence rebounds

According to NIC Director Vu Quoc Huy, Vietnam’s focus on innovation and digital transformation is no longer just a trend - it’s a strategic imperative.

In 2024, the country faced a 35% decline in capital for innovation, dropping to USD 2.3 billion with 141 transactions, due to global macroeconomic challenges.

However, the second half of 2024 saw a strong recovery, with investment tripling to USD 298 million, signaling a rebound in investor confidence.

Venture capital (VC) investment reached USD 398 million, and early-stage deals - particularly those under USD 500,000 - began to pick up again.

Mid-sized deals (USD 100–300 million) also surged 2.7 times to USD 700 million, reflecting growing trust in Vietnam’s maturing startup ecosystem.

Sectors leading the growth include enterprise digital transformation, which attracted USD 84 million (up 562%), and artificial intelligence (AI), which saw an eightfold jump to USD 80 million.

Vietnam’s AI ecosystem is expanding into finance, healthcare, and e-commerce, and - with strong government support and a rich talent pool - it is poised for exponential growth.

Vietnam: The new base for global tech giants

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung expressed amazement at the scale of the forum, which grew from just 50 investment funds in 2020 to over 200 this year, with nearly 1,000 participants worldwide.

He noted that innovation is not only a driver of growth but also the key for nations to secure their position in the global economy.

"Vietnam is becoming a strategic destination for global tech giants," he said. "Nvidia, Samsung, Qualcomm, Meta, Google… have all chosen Vietnam for their R&D centers, innovation hubs, and new industrial bases."

The Deputy PM attributed this to the government’s decisive policy reforms, improved investment environment, and focus on unlocking innovation-driven growth.

A significant milestone at the event was the signing of MOUs between NIC, VPCA, and three major associations - Korea Venture Capital Association, Singapore Venture & Private Capital Association, and Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association.

Collectively managing over USD 5 trillion in assets, these associations are uniting to form a regional investment bloc focused on collaboration, talent mobility, and startup support.

Vietnam’s digital economy on the rise

Vietnam is emerging as a regional leader in digital transformation and AI. Its digital economy reached USD 36 billion and is projected to maintain double-digit growth.

With policy support such as Resolution 57, private capital inflows, and abundant tech talent, Vietnam is on track to become Southeast Asia’s second-largest digital economy, contributing 30% of GDP in the near future.

Deputy PM Dung emphasized the need for urgency: "The world is changing rapidly - we have no time to hesitate. If you believe in Vietnam’s potential and the strong support from our government, invest now. The faster, the better, and the more, the better," he urged investors.

Pham Huyen