HO CHI MINH CITY 2025–2030: A NEW LAUNCHPAD FOR FDI IN THE MEGA-CITY ERA

Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam’s Next Mega-City

In early 2025, the Vietnamese Government officially approved the master plan for Ho Chi Minh City for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision to 2050. This marks the beginning of a new development era, as the city expands its boundaries and enhances regional integration with Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau.

This urban model increases spatial scale, population, and investment absorption capacity, while structuring development around six distinct functional zones:

• Financial – Commercial – Administrative Center
• High-Tech and Innovation Zone
• Industrial – Logistics Corridor
• Eco-Urban Zone
• Culture – Tourism Cluster
• Urban Expansion Belt

This approach helps eliminate fragmented development, improves infrastructure efficiency, and creates dedicated investment ecosystems tailored to specific sectors.

FDI Accelerates: Positive Signals from the Market

In the first half of 2025, Ho Chi Minh City and its expanded metropolitan area attracted more than 945 new FDI projects, totaling US$4.72 billion in registered capital—an increase of over 32% YoY. The city itself accounted for US$2.7 billion, representing a remarkable 123.1% growth compared to the same period in 2024 (according to Vietnam Briefing and Kinh tế & Dự báo).

Nationally, Vietnam received nearly US$21.5 billion in FDI in H1/2025. HCMC continues to affirm its position as the country’s “FDI magnet,” thanks to stable policies, improved infrastructure, and a proactive approach to global capital engagement.

1. Urban Planning & Regional Connectivity

HCMC is implementing a series of strategic infrastructure projects, including:

• Long Thanh International Airport(Phase 1 operational by 2026) – connecting the Eastern corridor and key industrial zones
• Metro Lines 1, 2, and 5– scheduled for completion by 2030, enhancing intra-city mobility and promoting Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)
• North–South High-Speed Railway– laying the foundation for nationwide connectivity and reduced logistics costs

These transportation corridors connect HCMC with neighboring industrial hubs in Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and the Cai Mep–Thi Vai deep seaport cluster—solidifying the city’s role as a regional supply chain nucleus.

2. Open Policies & Administrative Reform

HCMC is taking the lead in investment facilitation:

• Reducing investment processing time by 30%, with many procedures completed within a single business day
• Establishing a Digital One-Stop Centerto integrate data across departments
• Developing the Thu Thiem International Financial Center (IFC), with flexible regulations on foreign exchange, tax, labor, and profit repatriation

These reforms create a strong foundation for attracting strategic investors in fintech, global finance, consulting, and professional services.

3. Investment Opportunities Across Six Functional Zones

Each urban zone offers distinct opportunities, backed by targeted incentives:

Despite significant potential, the city faces challenges in synchronizing infrastructure and developing high-quality human resources for new-tech industries. Recognizing this, HCMC is enhancing partnerships with international universities, talent attraction policies, and applying smart city governance to optimize urban efficiency.

Capital Demand and Private Sector Mobilization

From 2025 to 2030, Ho Chi Minh City will require approximately VND 4.4 quadrillion (US$174 billion) in development capital, of which:

• 25% will be covered by state budget
• The remaining 75%must come from FDI, urban bonds, PPPs, and private capital

This opens up high-yield investment avenues, particularly in high-margin sectors such as fintech, commercial real estate, renewable energy, and financial services.

Strategic Recommendations for FDI Enterprises

To seize emerging opportunities, foreign investors should:

• Review the city’s zoning plansto identify sector-specific investment hotspots
• Engage early with IZ/EPZ Management Boards and Thu Thiem IFCto secure first-mover advantages and preferential policies
• Commit to sustainable development: HCMC is prioritizing ESG compliance, renewable energy use, and green technologies
• Prepare robust legal & tax compliance frameworks: In a data-driven and transparent regulatory environment, compliance will be a lasting competitive edge

Ho Chi Minh City is no longer just Vietnam’s economic center. It is redefining itself as a global mega-city—a strategic confluence of industrial capability, technological innovation, and international finance.

With a bold urban vision, decisive reforms, and a collaborative government, HCMC is ready to welcome the next wave of high-quality FDI in the 2025–2030 era.