Singapore-based capital accounted for 30% of total foreign direct investments into Vietnam

Investment into real estate manufacturing projects accounted for 63% of FDI into Vietnam

Over the first nine months of 2024, outbound Singapore-based capital into Vietnam accounted for $9.91 billion (30%) of the $33.2 billion in foreign direct investments (FDI) into Vietnam, according to a market report by Savills.

Investment into real estate manufacturing projects accounted for 63% of FDI into Vietnam, targeting high value industries like electronics, automotive parts, semiconductors, and green technology attracting foreign investment.

“Over 44% of new FDI capital going into real estate manufacturing in 9M2024 went into value-added products such as electronics and electrical equipment, which perfectly emphasises Vietnam’s move up the value chain”, said John Campbell, director and head of industrial services at Savills Vietnam.

He adds that foreign investments into Vietnam’s industrial real estate market are concentrated in the country’s North Economic Zone (NEZ) and South Economic Zone (SEZ). The NEZ includes provinces like Bac Ninh and Hai Phong while the SEZ covers Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, and Dong Nai.

Demand for warehousing and ready-built industrial space has also surged due to the country’s strong e-commerce sector. Ready-built factory and warehouse supply increased 31% y-o-y in 2024, with occupancy rates exceeding 80% in major industrial zones.

According to Savills, the SEZ is positioned to benefit the most from this demand due to its competitive costs and strategic proximity to international ports.

Another key growth sector for Vietnam is data centres, driven by the expansion of the digital economy in Asia. Savills valued Vietnam’s data centre market at over $917 million, as of end-2023. The consultancy projects that this sector could grow to $1.87 billion by 2029, spurred by the demand for cloud computing, 5G and IoT technologies that rely on data centre infrastructure. Vietnam’s high internet penetration among its local population will also add to this demand.

“As one of Vietnam's largest foreign investors, Singapore has contributed to the rapid development of infrastructure, technology and services in Vietnam, actively participating in various sectors such as real estate, retail, manufacturing and renewable energy,” says Sally Tan, senior managing director and head of client solutions at Savills
Singapore.