Want to be in the loop?
subscribe to
our notification
Business News
HCMC CLIMBS SEVEN SPOTS IN GLOBAL FINANCIAL CENTER RANKINGS

An aerial view of HCMC - PHOTO: LE VU
HCMC – HCMC has advanced seven places in the latest Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI), reflecting steady progress in its ambition to become a regional financial hub.
In the 37th edition of the GFCI released by UK-based Z/Yen Partners and the China Development Institute, HCMC ranked 98th out of 119 cities worldwide, up from 105th in 2024, reported the Government news website (baochinhphu.vn).
The city gained 25 points to reach a GFCI score of 654, placing it ahead of Manila (Philippines) but behind Bangkok (Thailand) and Jakarta (Indonesia) among Southeast Asian financial centers.
This marks HCMC’s highest position since it was first included in the rankings in 2022.
Globally, the top nine cities maintained their previous positions, with New York retaining its lead at 769 points, followed by London, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Notably, Seoul moved up to 10th place, replacing Frankfurt in the top 10.
The GFCI evaluates the competitiveness of financial centers based on quantitative data from international organizations and qualitative assessments by industry professionals. Contributing sources include the United Nations, World Bank, and the World Economic Forum.
Vietnam has long envisioned establishing international and regional financial hubs. In late 2024, the Politburo approved a proposal to develop a national financial center in HCMC and a regional center in Danang City.
Earlier this year, HCMC set up a steering committee to lead the development of the city’s international financial center. Authorities expect the project to attract greater foreign direct investment (FDI) and support long-term economic growth across multiple sectors.
Source: The Saigon Times
Related News
VIỆT NAM'S INDUSTRIAL REAL ESTATE MARKET MAINTAINS STRONG MOMENTUM
Industry experts have forecast that Việt Nam's industrial real estate market will continue its positive trend over the next 12–24 months, with solid support from high-quality foreign direct investment (FDI), regional production shifts, and significant nationwide infrastructure projects currently underway. In the first six months of the year, the industrial real estate sector in Việt Nam saw robust growth driven by a substantial influx of FDI.
VIETNAM TARGETS 50,000 AI-SKILLED PROFESSIONALS FOR KEY SECTORS BY 2030
Vietnam is stepping up efforts to build an AI-ready workforce, targeting 50,000 skilled professionals and 10,000 advanced specialists by 2030 to strengthen strategic industries. Deputy Prime Minister Le Tien Chau signed Decision No.1528/QD-TTg, dated August 11, approving the National Programme on Artificial Intelligence Human Resource Development through 2030, with a vision to 2035.
HO CHI MINH CITY OUTLINES PLANS TO START FOUR MORE METRO LINES
Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee plans to begin construction on four metro lines by the end of 2026, which is part of the plan to complete 255km of metro lines by 2030. The first line, which connects Binh Duong New City with Suoi Tien, covers a length of over 32km, with an estimated investment of $2.18 billion. The line will pass through seven wards.
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF INNOVATION AND GREEN TRANSFORMATION
Vietnam's new vision on strategic foreign direct investment means that the work of Vinacontrol Group in terms of technology assessment is deemed more vital than ever. Vinacontrol Group is currently one of only two organisations nationwide designated by the Ministry of Science and Technology to conduct technology assessment under Decision No.29/2023/QD-TTg, placing it at the centre of a process that increasingly determines whether an investment project can proceed, be adjusted, or be extended.
VIỆT NAM SEAFOOD EXPORTS COULD TOP $12 BILLION DESPITE GATHERING HEADWINDS
Seafood exports are expected to top US$12 billion this year, but, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers, the industry will have to contend with four major challenges: higher tariffs, stricter traceability requirements, rising input costs, and intensifying competition in key markets. VASEP said seafood exports in the first seven months of the year were up 11.5 per cent year-on-year at $6.78 billion.
DUNG QUẤT EZ, QUẢNG NGÃI IPS DRAW NEARLY US$19.4 BLN
The Dung Quất Economic Zone and Quảng Ngãi industrial parks have so far attracted 441 projects worth around US$19.4 billion, according to the Dung Quất Economic Zone and Quảng Ngãi Industrial Parks Authority (DEZA). The DEZA now has 350 projects run by 293 companies, employing nearly 81,700 workers, while about 20,000 additional experts, engineers and workers are building mega projects, according to data presented at a workshop marking the authority’s 30th anniversary recently.
























