Surging FDI Disbursement reaches The Highest Levels in Five Years

Vietnam has cemented its role as one of Asia’s most attractive destinations for foreign investors. According to official data, FDI disbursement reached US$15.4 billion between January and August 2025, marking an 8.8% year-on-year increase and the highest eight-month level since 2020

This momentum reflects a broader global trend: companies are diversifying supply chains away from single-market dependence and turning to Southeast Asia, with Vietnam leading the way thanks to its strategic location, competitive labor market, and growing portfolio of industrial parks.

Manufacturing: The Magnet for FDI

Of the total disbursed capital, a staggering US$12.57 billion (81.6%) flowed into manufacturing and processing. This dominance underlines Vietnam’s status as a production powerhouse, especially in electronics, textiles, and high-value components.

Other sectors, including real estate development (US$1.82 billion) and electricity generation/distribution (US$385 million), also attracted notable inflows, but manufacturing remains the mainstay.

For developers of ready-built factories Vietnam, this surge signals a clear opportunity: investors are looking for operational facilities that reduce lead time and allow faster integration into global supply chains.

Quantity vs. Quality of New Projects

Vietnam licensed 2,534 new projects worth US$11.03 billion in the first eight months. The number of projects rose by 12.6%, yet the registered value declined by 8.1% year-on-year.

This shift suggests that while Vietnam is attracting more investors, the average project size is smaller or more cautious. Investors may be testing the market before committing to large expansions. As a result, the demand is tilting towards flexible, ready-built industrial space rather than costly build-to-suit projects.

The Changing Profile of FDI Investors

Vietnam’s appeal has gone beyond its traditional partners. In the first eight months of 2025:

• Singapore led with US$3.06 billion in new projects.
• China followed with US$2.65 billion.
• Sweden surprised with over US$1.0 billion, showing European investors’ rising confidence.
• Japan and other Asian economies remain consistent contributors.

What unites these investors is not only capital but also a demand for modern, sustainable, and technologically advanced facilities.

Key Features Global Manufacturers Now Demand in RBFs

Given the investment landscape, here are the must-have features of ready-built factories in Vietnam that align with what global manufacturers are looking for:

• Clear Height & Ceiling Space: to accommodate racking, heavy machinery, and airflow.
• Heavy-Duty Floor Loading Capacity: reinforced floors to support machinery & inventory.
• Flexible Layouts and Modular Design: ability to adapt to changing manufacturing lines or mixed uses.
• Technology-Enabled Infrastructure: high power capacity, fiber connectivity, future-proof utilities.
• ESG/Sustainability Certifications: green building standards, solar readiness, efficient water use.
• Logistics Connectivity: close access to ports, highways, skilled labor pools.

Why this Surge Matters for Ready-Built Factory Providers

• High absorption potential: with manufacturing taking up such a large share of disbursement, demand for well-built RBFs is high.
• Leverage investor expectations: projects that offer strong specs are more likely to attract higher quality FDI and longer‐term tenants.
• Competitive differentiation: as more developers pivot to supply ready-built industrial space, those who integrate advanced features will stand out.

Ready-Built Factories vs. Build-to-Suit: Why Speed Matters for FDI

Traditional build-to-suit (BTS) models offer customization but require long development cycles and higher upfront costs. In contrast, ready-built factories allow manufacturers to move in within weeks or months, making them the preferred choice for foreign investors under pressure to deliver quickly.

More than half of new FDI manufacturing projects now choose to lease ready-built factories over acquiring land — a trend set to accelerate in 2026.

Core5 Vietnam: Example of Meeting the New Demand

Core5 Vietnam has already begun delivering factory projects in strategic northern locations (such as Hải Phòng and Hải Dương) that align with these higher standards. Features like modular design, robust floor loading, and enhanced energy efficiency set these developments apart. (Refer to Core5 Vietnam projects for full specs.)

Key Takeaways

With FDI disbursement at a five-year high and manufacturing clearly dominating, the bar for ready-built factories in Vietnam is rising. For global manufacturers, choosing a facility means evaluating structure, sustainability, tech readiness, and connectivity—not just price or location.

For investors seeking to capture opportunities, Core5 Vietnam is not just a developer — we are your strategic partner in long-term success.

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