Thanh Hóa attracts over 11.6 trillion VND in investment in Q1 2026

In Q1 2026, Thanh Hóa province reported positive results across key economic sectors. The province attracted more than 11.614 trillion VND in investment, including 9,409.2 billion VND and an 84.8 million USD equivalent, disbursed 750.9 billion VND of public investment, and established 1,068 new enterprises, up 63.3% year-on-year—leading the North Central region.

Investment attraction and major project developments

From the start of the year, provincial leaders engaged with major groups including Sumitomo (Japan), WHA (Thailand), Vietnam Rubber Industry Corporation, Nghi Son Petrochemical Refinery, and Hoa Loc Group. The province signed cooperation agreements with Vietnam National Industry and Energy Group and worked with Pacific Construction Group. Meetings were held to address issues for key projects such as LNG Nghi Son, Hop Xuan Hydro, Lam Son-Sao Vang Industrial Park, and Aeon Mall Thanh Hóa.

By the end of Q1 2026, Thanh Hóa attracted 29 direct-investment projects, including 4 FDI projects. Total registered capital reached 9.4092 trillion VND and 84.8 million USD, bringing total attracted capital to over 11.614 trillion VND.

Major projects included:

• Industrial Park No. 16 in Nghi Son Economic Zone: 2.995 trillion VND
• Tan Cang Thanh Hóa Industrial Park: 1.969 trillion VND
• Wood pellet and biochar plant: 1.0 trillion VND
• EcoAlu high-tech aluminum plant: 0.98 trillion VND

In addition, 5 FDI projects were adjusted to increase capital by 80.9 million USD.

Public investment disbursement

The 2026 public-investment plan under provincial management was detailed by the end of 2025 to support proactive implementation. The provincial People’s Committee and the Chairman issued directives and took decisive actions, while online reviews and direct meetings with investors helped resolve obstacles.

Four working groups were established to monitor, urge, remove bottlenecks, and accelerate public-investment disbursement and national target programs in 2026. As of 15 March 2026, disbursed public investment under provincial management reached 750.9 billion VND, equivalent to 5.48% of the annual plan.

While the disbursement rate remains modest due to the typical year-end concentration, reaching nearly 751 billion VND in Q1 reflects proactive efforts by government levels, investors, and project managers, creating a positive basis for higher disbursement in later quarters.

Enterprise development accelerates

Thanh Hóa also saw strong growth in business formation in Q1 2026. From the start of the year to date, 1,068 new enterprises were established, meeting 35.6% of the annual plan and rising 63.3% year-on-year. The province ranked 12th nationwide and led the North Central region in new enterprise formation.

Total registered capital of newly established enterprises reached 8.1304 trillion VND, up 86.6%. Average charter capital was about 7.62 billion VND per enterprise, up 14.3%.

By enterprise size:

• 1,012 enterprises with capital under 10 billion VND (94.7%)
• 36 enterprises with capital from 10–50 billion VND (3.4%)
• 20 enterprises with capital over 50 billion VND (1.9%)

New firms are expected to create nearly 7,010 jobs, up 77.6% from a year earlier. The enterprise sector’s estimated contribution to the state budget is 4.7951 trillion VND, representing 44.4% of total domestic revenue, up 21.6% year-on-year.

Additional indicators and outlook

Other reported figures include the licensing of 28 projects with total scale close to 30,000 billion VND, and planned investment of nearly 9.5 trillion VND for Thanh Hóa’s power infrastructure. The province’s ongoing investment momentum is positioned as a key driver for regional development and economic diversification.