The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) has set a target to attract US$20 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) and increase FDI disbursement to US$11.5 billion.

 The country attracted only US$187.6 million in January, equivalent to 15.7 percent of that in the same period in 2010. The processing and manufacturing industries took the lead with US$70 million invested in 15 projects, followed by construction with US$63.6 million invested in 9 projects.

According to the MPI, Vietnam will focus on improving the quality of FDI projects.

In 2010, Vietnam attracted FDI of US$18.59 billion and disbursed US$11 billion.

(VOV)