HCM CITY DRAWS OVER $2.86B IN IZ INVESTMENT DURING 2020–25

Fifteen hi-tech projects, accounting for 6 per cent of the new projects, have a combined investment of nearly US$860 million, representing 44.17 per cent of the total newly registered capital.

At an FDI company in HCM City. — VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY — Investment inflows into export processing and industrial zones (IZs) in HCM City have surpassed US$2.86 billion during the 2020–25 period, equivalent to 114.6 per cent of the initial $2.5 billion target, according to the HCM City Export Processing and Industrial Zones Authority (HEPZA).

Of the total, foreign investment has exceeded $935.3 million, including 75 newly licensed projects with over $334.3 million in capital. Domestic investment reached over VNĐ45.4 trillion (roughly $1.9 billion), including 202 new projects worth nearly VNĐ37.9 trillion.

Lê Văn Thinh, head of HEPZA, said on Monday that the period has seen a clear shift toward high-tech and value-added sectors such as software, telecommunications, electronics, pharmaceuticals, precision mechanics, and electrical equipment.

Notably, 15 hi-tech projects (6 per cent of the new projects) have combined investment of $859.87 million, or 44.17 per cent of the total newly registered capital.

The influx of new projects has also created over 26,000 new jobs, bringing total employment in the zones to more than 257,700.

On average, over 85 per cent of workers have undergone formal training, and many companies now maintain university-level qualification rates exceeding 90 per cent among employees, Thinh added.

Efforts to support start-ups and key product development focuse on rubber – plastic, mechanics – automation, and food processing sectors. Land is being prioritised for hi-tech and environmentally friendly projects, with plans to establish specialised industrial zones dedicated to these industries.

Under the city's development master plan for 2021–30, with a vision to 2050, the current 23 export processing and industrial zones covering 5,900 ha will be maintained. An additional 2,465 ha is earmarked for 10 new IZs, bringing the total area to 8,369 ha across 33 zones.

To further attract investment, HEPZA has overhauled its management model, strengthened the "single-window" administrative framework, and cut administrative processing times by 30 per cent through streamlining its organisational structure and workforce. — VNS

Source: VNS

Related News

MEMBER CORNER / PROMOTIONS

SAFETY IS LIFE – DISCIPLINE IS STRENGTH

At Phuc Vuong, we believe that no project is more important than human life. To us, safety is not just a slogan; it is a vital principle with no exceptions. All these efforts serve one simple goal: to ensure every colleague can work with peace of mind, and every worker returns home safe and sound after every shift. This is our highest commitment and the sustainable foundation that Phuc Vuong always upholds.

Apr 21, 2026

MEMBER CORNER / PROMOTIONS

DOING BUSINESS WITH CHINA 2.0

As China continues to evolve into a global powerhouse in innovation, technology, and advanced manufacturing, understanding how to effectively engage with this market has never been more critical. Doing Business with China 2.0 is a flagship executive programme designed to equip business leaders with practical insights, strategic perspectives, and first-hand exposure to navigate China’s rapidly changing landscape.

Apr 17, 2026

HOSPITALITY / TOURISM / ENTERTAINMENT

VNAT EYES 25 MILLION FOREIGN VISITORS IN 2026

In the first quarter of the year, international arrivals amounted to 6.7 million, up 12.4% from a year earlier and the highest level on record. Domestic travel reached an estimated 37 million trips, with total tourism revenue at around VND267 trillion. Global developments pose risks. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have driven up fuel prices, increasing transport and tourism service costs.

Apr 16, 2026

BANKING / FINANCE / INSURANCE / TAX

VIETNAM’S CREDIT TOPS VND19.18 QUADRILLION, FLOWS INTO PRODUCTION SECTORS

Total outstanding loans in Vietnam’s banking system had reached over VND19.18 quadrillion in the year to March 31, up 3.18% against the end of 2025, with lending largely directed toward production and priority sectors, according to the State Bank of Vietnam. Data released at the central bank’s first-quarter press briefing on April 14 showed that several Government-backed lending programs have recorded notable disbursement progress. A credit package for the forestry and fisheries sectors has been expanded sharply, from VND15 trillion to VND185 trillion.

Apr 16, 2026

INFRASTRUCTURE / CONSTRUCTION / LOGISTIC / PORT

VIETNAM GETS US$2.64 BILLION FROM SEAFOOD EXPORTS IN Q1

Vietnam’s seafood sector booked around US$927 million in export revenue in March, bringing the total in the first quarter of this year to US$2.64 billion, showed data from the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP). China was the primary export market in Q1. Other markets such as the U.S., Japan and South Korea imported less due to weakened consumer spending and stringent technical barriers.

Apr 16, 2026

INFRASTRUCTURE / CONSTRUCTION / LOGISTIC / PORT

HCMC SET TO START WORK ON SEVEN MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

Ho Chi Minh City plans to simultaneously break ground on seven major infrastructure projects worth a combined VND380 trillion on the occasion of Vietnam’s Reunification Day (April 30). The projects are highly expected to unlock public investment and fuel economic growth. To prepare for the simultaneous launch, relevant departments and authorities have worked to streamline administrative procedures while maintaining legal compliance, with the goal of meeting conditions for groundbreaking on the occasion of the national holiday.

Apr 16, 2026