HCMC LOOKS TO LURE US$11 BILLION IN FDI FOR 2026

Part of downtown HCMC: The city targets to attract high-quality foreign-invested projects, especially in technology and finance sectors. PHOTO: LE VU

HCMC – The government of HCMC has set an ambitious foreign direct investment (FDI) target of US$11 billion for 2026, focusing on high-tech industries, logistics, and international financial-commercial centers.

To reach the milestone – a significant jump from US$8.37 billion in 2025 – the city is adopting a selective high-quality approach. Priority is given to high-tech and digital transformation with semiconductor, AI, and data centers; logistics and finance with the Vietnam International Financial Center in HCMC and the Cai Mep Ha Free Trade Zone and smart infrastructure with transitioning existing industrial parks into eco-smart models.

HCMC is also implementing a tailor-made approach by establishing specialized task forces to work directly with global tech giants and strategic investors apart from drastic administrative reforms, aiming to cut processing times and compliance costs by 50%.

In addition, there are some positive signals for such ambition. In February, G42 Group (UAE), in partnership with domestic investors, signed a framework agreement to develop a massive data center system in Vietnam with a projected investment of US$2 billion. This strategic project aims to establish an international-standard digital platform for the public sector and global enterprises. A U.S.-based investor is finalizing a similar US$2-bil. data center project.

The Vietnam News Agency quoted Nguyen Van Duoc, chairman of HCMC People’s Committee, as saying that these investors have committed to disbursing 60% of the total capital as early as second quarter 2026.

In the first two months of this year, the city secured nearly US$980 million in FDI and foreign indirect investment (FII), up 28.4% year-on-year. The city granted new investment certificates to 286 projects, while 59 existing projects expanded their operations with a net capital increase of US$480.6 million.

HCMC has so far been the national leader in FDI, boasting 20,756 active projects with total capital of US$142.9 billion

Source: The Saigon Times

Related News

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

HR / LABOUR/ EMPLOYMENT

VIETNAM TAPS AI TO CONNECT MILLIONS OF WORKERS WITH EMPLOYERS

Vietnam’s Ministry of Home Affairs on April 14 launched a national job exchange at vieclam.gov.vn, a key digital platform designed to directly connect more than 53.6 million workers with nearly one million businesses. The platform goes beyond a conventional job portal, positioning itself as a nationwide data-integrated ecosystem. Its technological highlight is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically analyze and match job vacancies with workers’ skills and experience.

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

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

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

US$250-MILLION DEAL ADVANCES VIETNAM’S GREEN CREDIT PUSH

Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV) has secured a US$250-million sustainable financing package to support green agriculture and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), marking a major step in mobilizing international capital for priority sectors. The facility was arranged in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), alongside international partners including the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Canada.

Apr 16, 2026