In 2026, Ho Chi Minh City aims to attract $11 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), and this target is almost within reach. This is a positive sign for Ho Chi Minh City’s economy, as it is becoming an attractive destination for international investors.
Continuously welcoming “mega” projects
According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Finance, in the first quarter of 2026, Ho Chi Minh City attracted nearly $2.9 billion in FDI, a 220% increase compared to the first quarter of 2025; the second quarter of 2026 is expected to attract an additional $8.9 billion, completing the target of $11 billion in 2026. Of this, by the end of April, Ho Chi Minh City had already attracted $3.3 billion. The goal for the third and fourth quarters of 2026 is to attract an additional $2 billion.
Of these, 644 new foreign investment projects were granted investment registration certificates, with a total registered capital of over US$800 million; 65 projects licensed in previous years adjusted their investment capital, increasing it by nearly US$272 million. Ho Chi Minh City also approved 641 cases of foreign investors carrying out procedures to contribute capital, purchase shares, or acquire equity in domestic enterprises, with registered capital equivalent to nearly US$2.3 billion.
Some of the “mega” projects noted include the Can Gio International Transshipment Port project with a total investment of US$4.9 billion. This project, a joint venture between Vietnam Maritime Corporation – JSC, Saigon Port Joint Stock Company, and Terminal Investment Limited Holding S.A (a subsidiary of MSC – the world’s largest shipping company headquartered in Switzerland), received investor approval in April. Following this are projects such as the Nha Be Metrocity GS project with a total investment capital increase of US$2.2 billion; the Smart Complex project in functional area 2a of the Thu Thiem New Urban Area with a total investment capital increase of approximately US$1.2 billion; and the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Center project in Tan Phu Trung Industrial Park, with a registered investment capital of approximately US$2.1 billion…
From the investor’s perspective, many foreign investors affirm their confidence in Ho Chi Minh City’s new investment attraction policies. Mr. Kume Kunihide, President of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ho Chi Minh City (JCCH), stated that Japanese businesses always consider Vietnam, especially Ho Chi Minh City, as a top investment destination.
The Sweet Fruits of Policy
According to Mr. Hoang Vu Thanh, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Finance, the main advisory body to the city’s leaders on attracting FDI, the department issued a plan to attract FDI in 2026 in March 2026. “With a detailed plan, the implementation process has received significant support from the city’s leaders and relevant departments. As a result, investment policies, consultations, and feedback from departments are processed quickly and efficiently. Many projects have had their procedures expedited, with significant investment values resolved within one month,” Mr. Thanh said.
However, according to Mr. Hoang Vu Thanh, Ho Chi Minh City will prioritize attracting multinational corporations and strategic investors possessing core technologies and modern management capabilities, especially in high-tech fields, innovation, data centers, logistics, seaports, supporting industries, international finance, and green growth. Investment promotion efforts will also be reformed to closely follow specific markets, investor groups, and projects, while strengthening post-promotion support to increase the conversion rate from interest to actual investment. The city will also promote connections between FDI enterprises and domestic businesses to form supply chains and enhance the spillover effects of foreign capital.
According to Mr. Nguyen Ky Phung, Head of the Management Board of the Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Park, FDI attraction in the Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Park has been very positive recently. This is a significant result of the “special investment procedure” mechanism that Ho Chi Minh City has applied to create a transparent legal framework, attracting abundant investment capital into key technology sectors.
Meanwhile, according to Ms. Cao Thi Phi Van, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Trade and Investment Promotion Center (ITPC), maintaining many outstanding advantages in market size, business ecosystem, logistics infrastructure, innovation, and international connectivity… are fundamental factors that have helped Ho Chi Minh City attract FDI in recent years. Therefore, in the coming time, along with the implementation of special mechanisms and the development orientation of an International Financial Center, Ms. Cao Thi Phi Van believes that Ho Chi Minh City will continue to be a strategic destination for high-quality investment capital.
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