Malaysian businesses seek more investment opportunities in Vietnam

The figure was presented at a CEO Forum, 'Doing Business with Malaysia,' held in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday, where Malaysian representatives discussed opportunities in manufacturing, infrastructure, finance, and services.

The event was organized by the Consulate General of Malaysia in Ho Chi Minh City, together with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and the Malaysia Business Chamber Vietnam.

Malaysia eyes manufacturing, infrastructure opportunities

According to MATRADE, Malaysia exported $12.94 billion worth of goods to Vietnam in 2025, while imports from Vietnam totaled $8.65 billion.

Two-way trade reached $17.75 billion in the first seven months of 2026, up 56.7 percent from the same period last year.

Malaysia exported $10.94 billion worth of goods to Vietnam during the period, while imports from Vietnam reached $6.8 billion.

Malaysia was also Vietnam's sixth-largest source of foreign direct investment in 2025, with around $2.06 billion, accounting for 5.4 percent of total FDI.

By the end of 2025, Malaysian businesses had registered $14.82 billion in investment in Vietnam through more than 700 projects.

Zaimah Osman, trade consul at MATRADE in Ho Chi Minh City, said Vietnam's infrastructure development is creating opportunities for Malaysian businesses.

The expansion of metro lines, expressways, airports, and other major infrastructure projects in Ho Chi Minh City is generating demand for construction materials, professional services, and related industries, she said.

Malaysian businesses are also interested in wooden furniture manufacturing, food processing, and industries that can benefit from Vietnam's free trade agreements, according to Osman.

"Vietnam has a large consumer market, abundant raw materials, and advantages from free trade agreements," she said.

These advantages could encourage Malaysian companies to establish production facilities in Vietnam instead of simply exporting goods to the country, she added.

Osman also said businesses from the two countries should leverage their complementary strengths.

Vietnam has advantages in seafood and manufacturing, while Malaysia has strengths in equipment, technology, and professional services, she said.

Malaysian banks eye cross-border financial services

Representatives of Malaysian banks operating in Vietnam said the development of international financial centers could create additional channels for Vietnamese businesses to access international capital.

It could also make it easier for foreign investors to access the Vietnamese market.

Green finance, digital transactions, and cross-border financial services are among the areas with potential for further development as Vietnam's international financial ecosystem expands.

Raymond Wong Chen Onn, CEO of Public Bank Vietnam, said the bank's extensive network in Vietnam and Southeast Asia allows it to support businesses involved in cross-border trade.

Mohammad Kamil Abu Bakar, CEO of Malayan Banking Berhad in Vietnam, said Malaysian banks are also interested in capital raising through debt and equity markets, mergers and acquisitions advisory, initial public offerings, and securities brokerage in Vietnam.

These services could help promote capital flows between the Vietnamese and Malaysian markets, he said.

Firdauz Bin Othman, consul general of Malaysia in Ho Chi Minh City, said bilateral ties have entered a deeper phase of cooperation since Vietnam and Malaysia upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The existing foundation of cooperation is creating more room for businesses from both countries to expand trade, investment, and financial links, Othman said.

According to the diplomat, two-way trade between Malaysia and Vietnam reached $21.59 billion in 2025, up 19 percent year on year, affirming Vietnam's position as one of Malaysia's most important trading partners.

Malaysian investment in Ho Chi Minh City currently stands at around $6.1 billion, mainly in banking and real estate.