Vietnamese enterprises in 2009 poured US $7.2 billion in 457 projects in 50 countries and territories in spite of the global economic crisis, according to new statistics from the government.

The amount of investment capital accounts for 143% of the set target equivalent to 214% of the total venture in foreign countries in the period of 1989-2008.

The vigorous investment surge shows Vietnamese enterprises’ capacity of grasping opportunities to penetrate and expand their foreign market shares.

From small-scale projects in traditional markets, the Vietnamese business community has shifted to hi-tech and modern sectors in which such giant investors like Japan, the US, Republic of Korea and Singapore often dominate.

Vietnamese enterprises are much interested in the areas of real estate, mineral exploitation, software production, agro-forestry and fisheries.

Cambodia is supposed to be the biggest and most attractive destination for Vietnamese investors in 2010.

The big investment surge in 2009 was partly resulted from easier requirements on money transfer transactions.

In addition, the Government chief agreed to support Vietnamese businesses to invest in foreign countries, particularly in the areas of energy, electricity generation and mineral exploitation in order to serve domestic consumption and production.

In the coming time, the Government will continue to facilitate direct investment in foreign countries by simplifying the process of licensing local investors; providing information on potential foreign markets; and setting up funds for preferential loans.

Especially, investment projects in Russia, Laos and Cambodia will receive the Government’s guarantees for loans and exemption of corporate income tax.