FDI and Transfer of Technology to Vietnamese Enterprises

Ryo Ikebe

Main Article Content

Abstract

Provides an in-depth examination of the evolution of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Vietnam, tracing its trajectory since the 1980s. Vietnam proactively sought to attract FDI to bridge its capital and technology gaps, yielding tangible benefits such as job creation and the expansion of exports. FDI led to the transformation of outdated economic structures, particularly in state-owned enterprises. The expansion of FDI was driven by Vietnam's diplomacy and free trade agreements, including WTO membership in 2007 and participation in various FTAs. By the end of 2020, Vietnam had attracted US$176.9 billion in FDI, positioning it as an attractive investment destination in Southeast Asia. The chapter highlights how different phases of FDI development have shaped Vietnam's economy, creating job opportunities and bolstering its export-driven industrialization. It underscores the need to further transition to technology- and capital-intensive industries and strengthen supporting industries to ensure sustainable growth.


Article Details

Author Biography

Ryo Ikebe

Senshu University, Japan

Born in 1969, Ryo Ikebe obtained his Master’s degree in International Politics and Economics from Aoyama Gakuin University and his Ph.D. in Economics from Fukui Prefectural University. After serving in the Japan External Trade Organization for 25 years, including time spent in Hanoi and Guangzhou, he is currently a professor in the Department of Commerce at Senshu University. His areas of expertise include the history of industrial development in Vietnam and China, trends in the overseas economic activities of Japanese companies, and international labor division in East Asia. He is currently engaged in research on the reconfiguration of global supply chains in the context of competition between the United States and China. His most recent publication is Gurōbaru bijinesu to torēdo [Global Business and Trade] (Tokyo: Dōbunkan, 2022).