Vietnam has so far attracted US$12.181 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), with $7.256 billion to 980 newly-licensed projects.

According to the latest report by the Ministry of Planning and Investment's Foreign Investment Agency, the processing and manufacturing industries were the most attractive with more than $4.392 billion and $4.114 billion in newly and additionally registered FDI capitals, respectively.

Real estate ranked second, attracting $1.350 billion in nine new projects. Five projects expanded their investment scale with an addition of over $494 million, bringing the total FDI in the sector to $1.845 billion.

Other sectors that attract a large volume of FDI include wholesale, retail, information and communications, logistics, construction, accommodation services, health care, science and technology, and education and training.

Japan is Vietnam ’s biggest foreign investor with 247 newly registered projects worth $3.931 billion and 103 expanded projects worth $1.120 billion.

The southern province of Binh Duong is the top destination with a total capital of $2.287 billion, followed by Ho Chi Minh City with $1.145 billion.