Hanoi introduces new framework to attract strategic investors

The new measures set out priority sectors, investment thresholds, and incentives as the Vietnamese capital looks to bring in more high-value projects.

As reported by Vietnam News, Hanoi has introduced a new framework to attract strategic investors, with the city looking to channel more investment into areas such as science and technology, infrastructure and other priority sectors.

The move comes as the capital seeks to strengthen its investment environment and attract projects that support its longer-term development plans.

As of 21 June, Hanoi had attracted around US$3.163bn in foreign direct investment (FDI), according to Lê Trung Hiếu, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Finance. This was equivalent to 116% of its full-year target.

Services, science, and technology accounted for 72% of the FDI attracted, pointing to a growing share of investment in areas linked to the city's development priorities, Hiếu was quoted as saying.

17 sectors identified for strategic investment

The framework was introduced through Resolution 46/2026/NQ-HDND, adopted by the Hanoi People’s Council as part of the implementation of the Capital Law and Politburo Resolution 10-NQ/TW on the development of the foreign-invested economy.

According to Vietnam News, effective 1 July, the resolution identifies 17 sectors and business lines eligible for strategic investment. Among them are urban railway and high-capacity public transport projects requiring at least VND25tn in investment. Infrastructure projects in free trade zones and free economic zones, including logistics centres, are subject to the same minimum investment threshold.

The framework also covers hi-tech park, urban development and service projects requiring at least VND20tn, as well as integrated entertainment and resort complexes with investment of at least VND30tn. The latter may include five-star or higher-standard accommodation, luxury resorts, shopping centres and integrated entertainment facilities.

For investors entering these areas, the resolution provides for a range of incentives, including exemptions or reductions on land and water-surface rentals. Other support includes priority for customs and tax procedures relating to imports and exports, as well as assistance with human resource development and technical and social infrastructure.

Investment timelines also set out

Apart from attracting capital, the framework also sets requirements for investors to demonstrate that projects can be delivered within the agreed timelines.

Under the resolution, strategic investors must carry out investment and construction according to their approved schedules.

For projects with investment of less than VND6tn, investment and construction must be completed within three years of the on-site handover of land or water-surface areas. For projects worth VND6tn or more, investors must disburse at least VND6tn within three years of the handover, subject to the applicable requirements.

Where a project does not require an on-site handover, the disbursement period will begin from the date the relevant investment document is issued. This may be an investment registration certificate, a decision approving the investment policy and investor, a decision approving the project and investor, or a decision approving project information and the investor.

Delays in the on-site handover of land or water-surface areas will not count towards the prescribed disbursement period.

Authorities to step up investor outreach

Alongside the resolution, the Hanoi People’s Committee has issued Plan 287/KH-UBND to guide implementation.

As further detailed in Vietnam News, the plan assigns responsibilities, timelines and expected outcomes to municipal departments, agencies, commune- and ward-level People’s Committees and other relevant organisations. A key focus will be identifying and attracting investors for the priority sectors, with the aim of mobilising more non-state investment for the 2026-30 period and beyond.

The city will prepare and publish a list of projects seeking strategic investors for 2026 and subsequent years. Information on these projects will be developed to help potential investors assess opportunities and prepare proposals.

Authorities will also take a more targeted approach to investor outreach, including meeting major and prospective investors and encouraging investment in priority projects.

For investors considering projects, municipal authorities will provide support in preparing project proposals and documentation for investment policy decisions or approvals.

The approach will differ depending on where a project is located. Projects in industrial and hi-tech parks will be processed under the special investment procedures provided for under the Law on Investment, while projects outside these zones will go through the relevant appraisal, investment policy and investor selection processes.

At the same time, it was reported, the city will need to ensure that the incentives under the new framework are applied transparently and effectively, with measures in place to prevent policy abuse, losses and waste.

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