Mekong Delta region registers only $24 billion in FDI

By 2025, Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region (ĐBSCL) is expected to attract only 23 new projects, with registered capital not reaching $700 million. This would account for less than 1% of the total number of projects and 4% of new registered capital nationwide. Cumulatively, ĐBSCL has 499 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in operation with total capital of over $24 billion.

The figures were presented at the annual meeting of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) ĐBSCL branch, held on the afternoon of April 10.

FDI and enterprise activity outlook

Mr. Nguyen Phuong Lam, Director of VCCI ĐBSCL, said that in 2025 the region’s export turnover is projected to reach more than $21 billion, up 4.6%. The number of enterprises entering the market is expected to exceed 22,000, up 63%.

However, Lam noted that the region’s economic growth last year was 7.2%, below the national average of 8%. He also said that more than 20,000 enterprises withdrew from the market, mainly small and medium-sized enterprises.

“Those figures show that the economy of the Mekong Delta still cannot keep pace with other regional economies in the country; the regional economy's scale has not expanded; the number of enterprises has increased but remains small,” Lam said.

Challenges and policy context

VCCI ĐBSCL also highlighted major challenges facing enterprises in a context of global uncertainty, rising input costs, and increasingly stringent technical barriers.

At the same time, the chamber said new opportunities and renewed confidence are emerging as the Party and government implement important policy decisions and focus on institutional reforms to support domestic firms in order to achieve two-digit growth.

Can Tho’s development plan for 2026

According to Mr. Hung, Vice Chairman of the Can Tho City People’s Committee, implementing planning and growth scenarios for 2026 is creating more room for development in sectors where the city has advantages, especially processing industries, trade services, and logistics.

The goal of developing Can Tho into a center of commerce, logistics, processing industry, and innovation is gradually taking shape, creating new space for enterprises.

“Can Tho is committed to continuing to improve the business environment, accelerating administrative reforms, enhancing dialogue, and promptly addressing difficulties for enterprises,” Hung said.