(VOVworld) – The disbursement of foreign direct investment (FDI) experienced a modest increase of 2 percent during the first six months of this year, reaching US$5.5 billion.

The total FDI capital so far this year has reached 6.4 billion USD, lower than last year. According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment’s Foreign Investment Department, in the first half of 2012, Vietnam registered 452 new foreign invested projects and reported an increase in capital in 123 existing projects. Director of the Department Do Nhat Hoang: "In recent months, the disbursement of FDT has remained quite stable despite the fact that FDI is declining. This year’s exports are up by 36.9 percent compared to the same period last year. This is positive sign for foreign investment together with the Government’s measures and its Resolution to control inflation, stabilize the  macro economy and ensure social welfare".

The processing and manufacturing industries now take the lead in attracting FDI, followed by real estate.