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

VIETNAM ECONOMY INVESTMENT

VIETNAM’S SEAFOOD EXPORTS HIT OVER US$10 BILLION IN JAN-NOV

Seafood export revenue in November alone amounted to nearly US$990 million, up 6.6% year-on-year. Key product groups posted solid gains. Shrimp exports rose 11.7% to over US$385 million, supported by strong demand for whiteleg shrimp and lobster. Tra fish shipments increased 9.7% to almost US$197 million, while marine fish, squid, and mollusk exports maintained their recovery.

Dec 11, 2025

VIETNAM ECONOMY INVESTMENT

VIETNAM’S AGRO-FORESTRY-FISHERY EXPORTS HIT NEW RECORD IN JAN-NOV

Vietnam’s agro-forestry-fishery export revenue reached an estimated US$64.01 billion in the first 11 months of 2025, up 12.6% year-on-year and surpassing the full-year record of US$62.4 billion set in 2024. Agricultural exports reached US$34.24 billion, up 15% year-on-year, while livestock products brought in US$567.4 million, a 16.8% increase. Seafood exports rose 13.2% to US$10.38 billion, and forestry products earned US$16.61 billion, up 5.9%.

Dec 11, 2025

VIETNAM ECONOMY INVESTMENT

HANOI REPORTS RECORD-HIGH BUDGET REVENUE IN 2025

Hanoi’s budget revenue is estimated to reach VND641.7 trillion in 2025, the highest level ever recorded and nearly 25% above the revised target, according to a report by the municipal government. Data from the city’s socioeconomic performance review shows that total state budget collections in 2025 are projected to reach 124.9% of the adjusted plan and rise 24.9% from 2024, the Vietnam News Agency reported.

Dec 11, 2025

INFRASTRUCTURE / CONSTRUCTION / LOGISTIC / PORT

VIETNAM, CHINA TO PILOT TWO-WAY CARGO TRANSPORT AT LANG SON BORDER

Vietnam and China will launch a one-year pilot program on December 10 to allow two-way cargo transport through the Huu Nghi–Youyi Guan international border gates in Lang Son Province, reported the Vietnam News Agency. The Dong Dang-Lang Son Economic Zone Management Board said the trial aims to reduce transport costs and improve customs clearance capacity.

Dec 11, 2025

INFRASTRUCTURE / CONSTRUCTION / LOGISTIC / PORT

VIETNAM’S IMPORT-EXPORT VALUE NEARS US$840 BILLION IN JAN-NOV

The total value of Vietnam’s imports and exports was nearly US$840 billion between January and November this year, the highest level ever recorded, according to the National Statistics Office. In its latest report on the country’s socio-economic performance, the National Statistics Office highlighted a series of positive economic indicators, with trade emerging as one of the strongest drivers of growth.

Dec 11, 2025

HOSPITALITY / TOURISM / ENTERTAINMENT

OVER 19 MILLION INTERNATIONAL VISITORS COME TO VIETNAM IN JAN-NOV

Vietnam received more than 19.1 million international visitors in the first 11 months of 2025, a 20.9% increase year-on-year and the highest level ever recorded, according to the National Statistics Office. The figure surpasses the full-year record of 18 million arrivals set in 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic. Nearly two million foreign visitors arrived in November alone, up 14.2% from October and 15.6% from the same period last year.

Dec 11, 2025