Article 2: Ho Chi Minh City – A Regional Hub for Finance and Logistics in Asia

Vision: Building a Regional Financial Hub

The Master Plan envisions Ho Chi Minh City as an international financial hub, attracting major global banks, financial corporations, and leading financial institutions. To realize this goal, the City plans to establish specialized financial districts, including its current central area and the Eastern Creative Urban Area — Thu Duc City.

Additionally, Ho Chi Minh City aims to expand international collaboration in finance, creating mechanisms to attract major investment funds. Strategic partnerships with global financial hubs such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo will be key to gaining expertise and drawing foreign capital. Simultaneously, the regulatory and policy framework will undergo comprehensive reforms to establish a transparent, competitive, and sustainable financial market.

The Master Plan also emphasizes the development of innovative financial products, including green finance, digital finance, and specialized services for startups. These offerings will not only diversify the financial landscape but also elevate the quality of the City’s financial market.

Logistics: A Pillar for Sustainable Growth

In the context of global economic shifts, logistics plays a critical role in enhancing Ho Chi Minh City’s competitiveness and integration. The Master Plan prioritizes the establishment of an intelligent, integrated, and synchronized logistics system that meets international standards.

Moreover, the City is developing robust inter-regional transport systems, including key expressways such as Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay, Ben Luc – Long Thanh, and Ring Roads 3 and 4. These transport links will not only alleviate urban traffic congestion but also optimize connections between Ho Chi Minh City and nearby provinces like Dong Nai, Binh Duong, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau.

Technology will be a game-changer in logistics management in Ho Chi Minh City. Modern supply chain systems leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain will enhance transparency, optimize costs, and reduce delivery times. Digitizing logistics also creates opportunities for the City to attract businesses seeking a modern and efficient operating environment.

Driving Forces from Regional and Global Connectivity

With its strategic geographic location, Ho Chi Minh City serves not only as Vietnam’s economic gateway but also as a vital node in the international trade network. The Master Plan highlights the development of regional and global connections as a core strategy to enhance the City’s central role.

The Long Thanh International Airport, anticipated to become one of the largest aviation hubs in the region, will play a crucial role in boosting international trade and tourism. Once operational, it will connect Ho Chi Minh City to major economic centers such as Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Seoul, providing a significant impetus for cross-border commerce and investment.

Furthermore, Ho Chi Minh City will continue to promote free trade agreements (FTAs) and bilateral economic partnerships with key global players. These agreements will not only bring trade advantages but also provide local businesses with access to promising export markets and high-quality foreign direct investment (FDI).

Conclusion

The Ho Chi Minh City Master Plan for 2021–2030, with a vision to 2050, provides a comprehensive roadmap for the City to become a regional hub for finance and logistics in Asia. With strong investments in infrastructure, technology, and policy reform, Ho Chi Minh City is poised to maintain its position as Vietnam’s economic leader while reaching new heights on the global stage.

Efforts to create a transparent business environment, modernize infrastructure, and cultivate high-quality human resources will be key to achieving these goals. Ho Chi Minh City is steadily advancing towards deeper integration into global value chains, driving growth not only for the City itself but also for the broader region and nation.