"Attracting between US$15-17 billion in FDI each year is within the country's reach," said General Director of the VinaCapital Fund, Don Lam. He revealed the company's plan to invest US$400 million in building a complex of shopping centres and apartments for lease in Vietnam.

Director General of the Dragon Capital Fund, Dominic Scriven, shared Lam's view, adding that a series of big investment projects will be implemented in Vietnam in the near future, including a US$5-billion project of the HonHai Precision Industry Ltd. Company of Taiwan.

General Director of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC), Michael Geoghegan, noted propitious conditions making Vietnam an appealing destination for foreign investors, citing the country's young population and an abundant labour force with improved skills. Additionally, he said, Vietnamese people are quick to use hi-tech services like the Internet and mobile phones.

Vietnam's accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) would open up new opportunities for the country's economy, particularly in the volume of FDI, Mr Geoghegan added.

Participants in the forum agreed that how Vietnam could maintain this capital flow is a challenge facing the country as many difficulties remain in implementing approved projects, such as low capital disbursement, cumbersome procedures and a lack of synchronicity in enforcing laws.

The Vina Capital director said how Vietnam opens its door and implements its commitments will affect their decision to invest in Vietnam.

Dragon Capital's chief Scriven also agreed that the flow of direct or indirect foreign investment depends on domestic factors, and whether a country could maintain the investment capital flow depends on the way it treats customers and partners. However, he said he is optimistic that the capital flow pouring into Vietnam will continue increasing.

According to the latest economic freedom ratings published by the Fraser Institute and members of the Economic Freedom Network, Vietnam ranks 138 out of the 157 rated economies while China ranks 119 and Thailand, 50.

Therefore, investors emphasized the need for Vietnam to promote capital management capacity, reform investment licensing process, and create a more open and transparent investment and business environment.