HANOI, August 27, 2026 — Vietnam is preparing major changes to its foreign investment rules as the government seeks to attract more high-quality projects. A draft amendment to the Investment Law would give foreign investors easier access to some sectors and create new forms of support for projects that bring advanced technology and wider economic benefits.
The proposed changes were submitted by the Ministry of Finance to the government. They aim to remove barriers that can make investment in Vietnam slower and more costly. Officials also want the new rules to make the investment system clearer and more open.
One key issue is foreign ownership. Under current rules, investors in some sectors may need to form joint ventures with local companies. In some cases, there are no clear limits on foreign ownership. This can create extra paperwork and raise costs for companies that want to invest in Vietnam.
The draft would give the government more power to ease these limits. Depending on economic needs and management rules, foreign investors could be allowed to hold up to 100 percent of a company’s charter capital in some restricted sectors. More favorable market access could also be offered where conditions allow.
The proposal is aimed at more than simply bringing money into the country. Vietnam wants investment that can improve technology, create skilled jobs and help local companies join global supply chains. This marks a shift toward measuring foreign investment by its wider value to the economy.
Large projects with a major effect on technology, science or innovation could receive special treatment. In some cases, the government could ask the National Assembly to consider easier market access. Such measures would still need to protect national security, defence and other national interests.
The government also wants to create stronger support after an investment has been made. The draft includes plans for a new Investment Support Fund. The fund could provide direct support to projects that meet technology and economic impact goals.
Possible support could include worker training, research and development, high-tech product development and the building of facilities for workers. Projects that connect more closely with Vietnamese suppliers could also receive support.
This approach could help Vietnam compete for the next wave of global investment. Companies around the world are changing where they make goods and build supply chains. Vietnam has already become an important production base for electronics, machinery, textiles and other products.
However, competition for new investment is strong. Other Asian economies are also offering tax benefits, better infrastructure and easier rules to attract global firms. Vietnam therefore needs to make its investment system simple while keeping strong standards.
The proposed changes could also help local businesses. When large foreign companies build production networks in Vietnam, domestic firms can gain new customers and learn new production methods. Stronger links between foreign and local companies can help keep more value inside the Vietnamese economy.
Technology transfer is another major goal. Vietnam wants to move beyond low-cost production and build stronger industries based on skills and innovation. New investment in research, digital systems and advanced factories could help support that goal.
The changes may also help Vietnam improve its position in global financial markets. The draft says simpler procedures and clearer rules could support the country’s effort to meet higher standards for a stock market upgrade. A stronger market status could attract more international investors over time.
The government must still balance openness with national interests. Not every sector can have the same rules. Areas linked to security, natural resources and other sensitive issues may require tighter controls.
The proposal is therefore not a plan to remove all limits on foreign investment. Instead, it seeks to make the rules more flexible while directing investment toward projects that offer greater long-term value.
For Hanoi, the challenge will be turning the proposed reforms into a clear and stable system. Investors need to know what rules apply before they commit large sums of money. Local businesses also need a fair chance to benefit from new projects.
If approved, the changes could give Vietnam a stronger position in the fight for high-quality foreign investment. They could also support the country’s push toward advanced manufacturing, better jobs and stronger domestic supply chains.
