Amid global uncertainty, Vietnam continues to attract fresh FDI and remains an exception to a subdued private investment outlook of the Southeast Asian region in recent quarters.

The majority of firms are looking to invest in technologies and employee’s skill development during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In Vietnam, the largest youth job losses are seen in the textile industry with 15% of total, followed by hospitality & catering services, and agriculture.

In July, Vietnam imported nearly 4,800 cars worth US$108 million, up 34% month-on-month in volume and 10% in value.

Foreign investors are returning to the market with its net outflow narrowing from VND12 trillion (US$520 million) since its March bottom to VND1.8 trillion (US$78 million) as of mid-August.

Since 2010, the average Vietnamese household's disposable income has grown by a compounded annual growth rate of 9.9% in local currency terms, and 7.5% in US dollar terms.

AMRO remains optimistic about the Vietnam's outlook, thanks to the country's effective anti-virus measures and favorable structural economy.

Competition to attract FDI in Southeast Asia would be fiercer in the coming time.

In the first half of this year, rice export value jumped 18.6% year-on-year to US$1.71 billion.