{"id":25168,"date":"2026-06-16T16:26:13","date_gmt":"2026-06-16T09:26:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/b-company.jp\/?p=25168"},"modified":"2026-06-16T19:43:41","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T12:43:41","slug":"mapping-japanese-investment-in-vietnam-manufacturing-sector","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/b-company.jp\/ko\/mapping-japanese-investment-in-vietnam-manufacturing-sector\/","title":{"rendered":"\ubca0\ud2b8\ub0a8 \uc81c\uc870\uc5c5 \ubd80\ubb38\uc5d0 \ub300\ud55c \uc77c\ubcf8 \ud22c\uc790 \ud604\ud669 \ubd84\uc11d: \uc0c8\ub85c\uc6b4 \uc2dc\ub300\uc758 \ube44\uc804\uacfc \uae00\ub85c\ubc8c \uac00\uce58 \uc0ac\uc2ac\uc758 \ubcc0\ud654"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"B&Company-Vietnam<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/div>

<\/span>B&Company is the first Japanese company specializing in market research and investment consulting in Vietnam since 2008.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This article is written in English and automatic translation is used for other language versions. Please refer to the English version for\u00a0accurate\u00a0content. Although we strive to ensure the accuracy of the original information, please check separately for each information. Interpretations and\u00a0future prospects\u00a0are the\u00a0personal opinions\u00a0of each researcher.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Japanese FDI in Vietnam is not only an economic trend but also a reflection of the strong comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Over the past three decades, Japanese companies have been key players in developing Vietnam\u2019s processing and manufacturing industries. In 2024\u20132025, this investment landscape is shifting from traditional labor-intensive sectors toward high technology, semiconductors, and green energy. This transition is driven by geopolitical uncertainty, global supply chain restructuring under the \u201cChina Plus One\u201d strategy, and new-generation FTAs such as the CPTPP and RCEP. Overall, Japanese FDI reflects the convergence of Vietnam\u2019s political stability, geographic advantages, and modernization goals with Japan\u2019s long-term vision and high-quality standards.<\/p>\n

Overview of Japanese Investment in Vietnam, with a Focus on the Manufacturing Sector<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Looking back at Japan’s investment history in Vietnam, it is evident that there has been a clear evolution through different periods, reflecting both changes in Japan’s foreign policy and Vietnam’s economic integration process.<\/p>\n

Table 1. <\/strong>Japanese FDI in Vietnam Across Key Periods<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Period<\/strong><\/td>\nInvestment Position<\/strong><\/td>\nNewly registered and increased capital (billion USD)<\/strong><\/td>\nStrategic Characteristics<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2013 – 2016<\/td>\nLeading in 2013 and Top 2 in 2016<\/td>\n5.87 (2013); 2.58 (2016)<\/td>\nEstablished the foundation for \u201cChina Plus One,\u201d with a focus on components<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2017 – 2019<\/td>\nRanked No. 1 in 2017 and 2018, Top 4 in 2019<\/td>\n9.11 (2017); 8.59 (2018); 2.93 (2019)<\/td>\nStrong relocation momentum, with a sharp increase in disbursed capital<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2020 – 2023<\/td>\nTop 2 – Top 3<\/td>\n2.1 (2020); 6.57 (2023)<\/td>\nPandemic adaptation and supply chain restructuring<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2024 – 2025<\/td>\nStable growth<\/td>\n1.62 (2025)<\/td>\nFocus on high-tech manufacturing and energy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Source: The World Bank<\/a>, b-company.jp<\/a> and Kinhtevadubao.vn<\/a><\/p>\n

From 2013 to 2016, the \u201cChina Plus One\u201d strategy began to take shape, as Japanese companies sought to diversify beyond China and reduce risk [1]. During this period, Japan consistently remained among Vietnam\u2019s key investors. The shift initially focused on electronic components and basic assembly, laying the foundation for industrial clusters in northern Vietnam.<\/p>\n

The 2017\u20132019 period marked a major turning point, as Japanese investment in Vietnam expanded sharply. This phase saw the substantive relocation of large-scale projects and deeper participation by multinational corporations in Vietnam\u2019s manufacturing infrastructure [1].<\/p>\n

During 2020\u20132025, despite severe disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Japanese companies\u2019 confidence in Vietnam remained resilient and recovered quickly [2]. Among the 90 countries and territories with newly licensed projects in Vietnam in 2025, Japan ranked fourth, behind Singapore, China and Hong Kong. Japanese investors registered USD 1.62 billion in new foreign direct investment, accounting for 9.4% of Vietnam\u2019s total newly registered FDI capital [3]. This recovery was also reflected in strong profitability, with over 64% of Japanese companies in Vietnam expecting to be profitable in 2024, up nearly 10 percentage points from the previous year [4].<\/p>\n

Japan\u2019s Manufacturing Ecosystem in Vietnam<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Japan\u2019s manufacturing ecosystem in Vietnam is multi-layered, spanning heavy industry, automotive, electronics, consumer goods, and food. This structure reflects not only Japan\u2019s technological strengths but also its strong adaptation to Vietnam\u2019s 100-million-consumer domestic market.<\/p>\n

Automotive and motorcycle industry: Pillar of sustainability<\/em><\/p>\n

The automobile and motorcycle manufacturing industry is a traditional sector in which Japanese companies have established a strong position. Honda and Toyota have not only built factories but also developed extensive supplier networks, creating tens of thousands of jobs and contributing significantly to the GDP of Vinh Phuc province and surrounding areas. Other major companies, such as Yamaha and Isuzu, also maintain strong operations, further strengthening the transport vehicle value chain [5].<\/p>\n

Electronics and imaging equipment industry: Regional technology hub<\/em><\/p>\n

The presence of Canon, Panasonic, Sony and other electronics groups has put Vietnam on the world map of digital device manufacturing. A notable point is the form of 100% foreign capital investment, which accounts for a very high proportion, reaching 83.67% of the total number of projects, showing the desire of Japanese investors to completely control the technology process and product quality[6].<\/p>\n

Food and Consumer Goods Industry: The Intersection of Cultural Production<\/em><\/p>\n

In the food sector, Japanese companies have achieved great success by combining advanced production technology with Vietnamese consumers’ taste. Acecook Vietnam or Ajinomoto Vietnam are successful examples that have capitalized on the growing trend of quality-focused consumption in Vietnam.<\/p>\n

Geographical distribution and industrial cluster linkages<\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n

Japan\u2019s investment map reflects a strategic distribution shaped by each locality\u2019s logistics advantages and investment incentives. The development of Japan-oriented industrial zones and support services, such as Japan Desks, has created a more integrated and efficient manufacturing environment. Northern Vietnam, especially Hanoi, Hai Phong, Bac Ninh, and Vinh Phuc, has the highest concentration of Japanese manufacturers and serves as a national hub for machinery, electronics, and logistics. In the South, provinces such as Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Ba Ria\u2013Vung Tau are preferred destinations for heavy industries, including petrochemicals and supporting industries [7].<\/p>\n

New Era: Semiconductor and Green Manufacturing<\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n

One of the most notable trends in Japan\u2019s current investment landscape is the shift toward high-tech industries, particularly semiconductors. This is no longer just a forecast, but has materialized into concrete commitments through strategic initiatives between the two governments.<\/p>\n

Table 2. High-tech projects and future orientation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Projects\/Field<\/strong><\/td>\nCore Objective<\/strong><\/td>\nScale\/Vision<\/strong><\/td>\nTimeframe\/ Progress<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Semiconductor Chips\/ NEXUS<\/td>\nResearch on AI SoC, 3D IC, transistors, and advanced semiconductor devices<\/td>\nApprox. USD 100 million under Japan\u2019s NEXUS-related framework; Master\u2019s and PhD-level talent development<\/td>\n– Implemented under Japan\u2019s NEXUS program for 2024-2029<\/p>\n

– The first Vietnam-Japan semiconductor research projects are scheduled for October 2025 \u2013 March 2029, with further expansion planned through additional co-funded projects in 2026<\/p>\n

– Vietnam national university (VNU) is also developing semiconductor research and training capacity, including IC design, fabrication and testing infrastructure in Hoa Lac, and targeting 10,000 semiconductor specialists by 2030<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Renewable Energy<\/td>\nWind, solar, biomass, and waste to energy power<\/td>\nSupport Net Zero 2050 commitments and CPTPP-related objective<\/td>\n– This should be treated as a medium- to long-term cooperation\/investment theme rather than a single project<\/p>\n

– Vietnam targets net-zero emissions by 2050, while PDP8 sets a target of 2,270 MW from biomass and waste-to-energy by 2030<\/p>\n

– Japan-related progress includes ongoing biomass projects by Erex in Hau Giang, Tuyen Quang and Yen Bai, and continued cooperation through the Japan-Vietnam Joint Crediting Mechanism<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Innovation \/ Digital Transformation \/DX<\/td>\nDigital transformation in manufacturing processes<\/td>\nRaise efficiency through AI and IoT<\/td>\n– Aligned with Vietnam\u2019s National Digital Transformation Program to 2025, with orientation toward 2030<\/p>\n

– In the semiconductor ecosystem, shared laboratories in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are being deployed with VNU and Hanoi University of Science and Technology, indicating that digital and R&D infrastructure is already under implementation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Power electronic components<\/td>\nDevelopment of equipment for electric vehicles and smart grids<\/td>\nOptimize energy efficiency<\/td>\n– A related NEXUS semiconductor project on wide-bandgap semiconductor materials and devices for energy-management chips is scheduled for October 2025-March 2029<\/p>\n

– The project focuses on GaN, \u03b2-Ga\u2082O\u2083 and SrTiO\u2083 materials, high-voltage diodes, HEMTs and flexible devices for energy-saving DC-DC converters and high-performance electronic devices.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Source: B&Company\u2019s synthesis from [8], [9], [10]<\/p>\n

Investment environment and support mechanisms<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The success of Japanese FDI has been supported by policy dialogue mechanisms and professional trade promotion organizations.<\/p>\n

Vietnam\u2013Japan Joint Initiative<\/em><\/h4>\n

Launched in 2003, this special intergovernmental cooperation aims to improve Vietnam\u2019s business environment. Across eight phases, 497 out of 594 action items were completed successfully and on schedule, equivalent to 84% [11]. The new phase, launched in March 2024, goes beyond addressing administrative procedures and expands into new areas such as high-skilled human resource development and supporting industry promotion. Keidanren\u2019s involvement ensures that the perspectives of major Japanese corporations are heard by Vietnamese policymakers [8].<\/p>\n

JETRO\u2019s Role and Business Matching Activities<\/em><\/h4>\n

The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) plays a central role in connecting businesses from both countries. Through platforms such as e-Venue, JETRO helps Vietnamese and Japanese businesses quickly and efficiently find partners. Technology transfer support programs, such as the linkage program between Toyama Prefecture and Vietnamese businesses, are helping to enhance the capabilities of the domestic manufacturing sector [12]. JETRO also frequently conducts surveys on the current situation of Japanese companies, providing valuable data on profit prospects and investment expansion trends [4].<\/p>\n

Conclusion and Strategic Outlook <\/strong><\/h3>\n

In conclusion, Japanese investment in Vietnam\u2019s manufacturing sector is entering a new phase marked by higher quality, advanced technology, and greater sustainability. As the country gradually evolves from an assembly base into an R&D hub for strategic industries such as semiconductors and clean energy, the macro-level support from institutions like JETRO and Keidanren remains a vital pillar of this industrial modernization. However, translating this institutional goodwill into on-the-ground operational success requires expanding or incoming enterprises to look beyond generic market indicators. To effectively mitigate operational risks and secure a sustainable first-mover advantage, investors must focus on solving practical execution challenges\u2014most notably through rigorous pre-feasibility site selections and the strategic vetting of high-quality domestic Tier-1 partners who can seamlessly match strict Japanese technical and sustainability standards.<\/p>\n

Read more<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Japanese FDI in Vietnam 2025: Highest profit outlook in 15 years – Is expansion next?<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n