Vietnam’s International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City Set to Launch in December

At the CEO 500 – TEA CONNECT event themed “Ho Chi Minh City: Towards an International Metropolis in the Digital Era,” held on the afternoon of November 25, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Nguyen Van Duoc affirmed the city’s commitment. The event is part of the Autumn Economic Forum 2025, currently taking place in Ho Chi Minh City.

According to the Chairman, Ho Chi Minh City is expediting the completion of optimal conditions to launch the International Financial Center, as outlined in Resolution 222/2025/QH15 on the establishment of an International Financial Center in Vietnam.

City leaders also pledged to continue administrative reforms, eliminate unnecessary procedures, and enhance the quality of government services for investors and businesses. They committed to strengthening partnerships between the private sector, state-owned enterprises, and foreign-invested enterprises through investment promotion and attraction.

Speaking at the forum, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Tran Luu Quang stated that post-merger, Ho Chi Minh City is entering a new development phase with a broad vision and ambitious aspirations. The goal is to become a modern, dynamic, livable, and globally competitive international metropolis.

With a population exceeding 14 million, Ho Chi Minh City contributes nearly 25% of the nation’s GDP. The city continues to assert its role as the country’s economic powerhouse and a major hub for trade, finance, industry, education, and international commerce, carrying the mission of pioneering for the entire nation.

However, the status of an international metropolis is not solely defined by economic scale or contribution but also by growth quality, connectivity, governance capacity, global competitiveness, and the ability to create an innovative and world-class living environment.

Therefore, the city is restructuring its development space and formulating a new strategic development plan with a multi-layered, integrated approach. This includes the “3 regions – 1 special zone – 3 corridors – 5 pillars” model.

The 5 strategic development pillars are: high-tech and innovative industries (with AI, semiconductors, and big data as key drivers), logistics linked to seaports and airports, free trade zones, the International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City, tourism and cultural industries, and education, healthcare, and science-technology aligned with regional and international standards.

In this process, Ho Chi Minh City deeply recognizes the challenges it faces and the need for fundamental and strategic solutions.

First, the governance pressure of a large metropolis with a vast population and high growth rate. Second, the shortage of financial resources, technology, infrastructure, and high-quality human resources.

Third, the logistics and transportation infrastructure is still under development.

Fourth, the urgent need to enhance public service quality, streamline administrative procedures, and accelerate digital transformation.

Fifth, the intensifying competition among regional and global economic centers.

Alongside the city’s efforts to innovate and leverage internal strengths, expanding cooperation and attracting experts, intellectuals, and businesses from both domestic and international sectors are of paramount importance.

The CEO500 – TEA CONNECT program was organized to create an open and trusted strategic dialogue platform between city leaders and experts, scholars, and CEOs of domestic and international economic groups. The focus is on the 5 strategic pillars.

“With a spirit of patient listening, courageous action, and responsible feedback, the city values and welcomes shared initiatives, committing to seriously absorb them to improve the investment and business environment.