Vietnam remains an attractive destination for private-equity investors, many of whom plan to increase their investment in the country, according to Grant Thornton Vietnam.

Speaking at a recent seminar in Ho Chi Minh City, Kenneth Atkinson, executive chairman of the auditing and consulting firm, said that in his company's bi-annual report on investment sentiment in private-equity in Vietnam, 51 percent of respondents said the country was more attractive than Myanmar or Indonesia.

They also said they would increase the allocation of funds to Vietnam in the next 12 months (starting in July).

About 48 percent nurture a positive outlook for Vietnam's economy over the next 12 months, compared to 43 percent in the fourth quarter of last year and 27 percent in 2012's Q2.

The retail sector was named the most attractive by 52 percent, followed by food and beverages (37 percent). Hospitality and leisure and property ranked third at 27 percent.

"Although Vietnam's economy still faces many challenges, there has been an improvement in macro-economic stability and some positive signals that its economy has begun to recover," Atkinson said, adding that foreign capital is expected to continue to flow into the country through merger and acquisition activities in the coming years.-VNA