# Vietnam investment and legislative developments > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/vietnam-investment-and-innovation-landscape > Updated: 2026-10-18T12:46:05.000Z. Sources: 48. Developments: 4. Vietnam is experiencing a significant divergence between robust foreign direct investment (FDI) and a constrained innovation funding landscape. In the first nine months of 2026, total registered FDI rose 76.4% year-on-year to $50.36 billion, with realized FDI reaching an estimated $21.07 billion—the highest nine-month figure in five years. The manufacturing and processing sector remains the primary driver, accounting for 82.6% of realized FDI. Economic performance has remained strong, with GDP growth reaching 9.01% for the first nine months of 2026, bolstered by a 9.95% growth rate in the third quarter. Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng has expressed an ambition for GDP growth to exceed 10% in 2027, emphasizing a development model driven by science, technology, and digital transformation. The 2nd Session of the 16th National Assembly commenced on October 17, 2026, in Hanoi, chaired by National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man. The session, scheduled to last 28 working days, aims to consider and pass 43 draft laws and resolutions. Legislative priorities include the Land Law, Housing Law, Criminal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, Law on Data Security, Law on Small and Medium Enterprises, and amendments to the Law on Securities, the Law on Accounting, and Independent Auditing. During the session, General Secretary and President To Lam presided over a formal welcoming ceremony for Swiss President Guy Parmelin. The assembly is also reviewing proposals regarding the Law on International Agreements and reports on Ho Chi Minh Road construction projects. A question-and-answer session with government members is scheduled for November 12. ## Claims - The 2nd Session of the 16th National Assembly officially opened on October 17, 2026. (corroborated by 31 sources) - The Prime Minister presented reports on the implementation of the 2026 socio-economic development plan and state budget, as well as projections for 2027. (corroborated by 18 sources) - The National Assembly will consider and pass 43 draft laws and resolutions during the session. (corroborated by 17 sources) - The session is expected to last 28 working days. (corroborated by 15 sources) - The government aims for GDP growth of 10% or more in 2027. (corroborated by 10 sources) - GDP growth in the first nine months of 2026 was 9.01%. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The National Assembly discussed and voted to approve the program for the 2nd Session of the 16th National Assembly. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The National Assembly will hold a question-and-answer session with Government members on November 12. (corroborated by 5 sources) - State budget revenue for 2026 is estimated at 3.06 quadrillion VND. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Total import-export value for 2026 is estimated to reach 1,110 billion USD. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Registered FDI reached 50.36 billion USD as of September 30, 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-18: Vietnam National Assembly opens second session of 16th term The 16th National Assembly of Vietnam has opened its second session in Hanoi, featuring a state visit by Swiss President Guy Parmelin and discussions on various legislative reforms. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-national-assembly-opens-second-session-of-16th-term ### 2026-10-16: Vietnam National Assembly opens 2nd Session of 16th term The 16th National Assembly's 2nd Session opened on October 17, 2026, to discuss 43 laws and socio-economic plans, targeting 10% GDP growth in 2027 following a 9.01% increase in early 2026. 47 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-reports-27-billion-in-outward-investment-and-rising-fdi-inflows ### 2026-10-04: Vietnam innovation funding faces capital mismatch and collateral hurdles Vietnam's venture capital rose 28% to $509 million in 2025, but funding gaps persist for mid-stage innovators due to difficulties in valuing intellectual property and mismatched risk appetites. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-innovation-funding-faces-capital-mismatch-and-collateral-hurdles ### 2026-10-02: Vietnam FDI registered capital hits $50.36 billion in nine months Vietnam's FDI registered capital rose 76.4% to $50.36 billion in the first nine months of 2026, while realized FDI hit a five-year high of $21.07 billion. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-banking-sector-faces-new-regulations-and-high-interest-bond-issuances --- Cite as: Vietnam investment and legislative developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/vietnam-investment-and-innovation-landscape