Foreign investment in Ho Chi Minh City surges 4.2-fold to nearly US$19.1 billion in 10 months
Ho Chi Minh City attracted nearly US$19.1 billion in foreign investment in the first 10 months of 2026, a 4.2-fold increase year-on-year. Major projects include the Can Gio International Transshipment Port (over US$4.9 billion) and a US$2.1 billion AI Factory data centre.
Foreign investment in Ho Chi Minh City surged 4.2-fold in the first 10 months of 2026, reaching nearly US$19.1 billion, according to the municipal statistics agency. The total comprised US$9.8 billion from 1,726 newly licensed projects, US$5.7 billion in additional registered capital from existing projects, and over US$3.6 billion contributed through capital contributions and share purchases in domestic businesses.
Nguyen Loc Ha, vice chairman of the HCMC People's Committee, highlighted two landmark projects at the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 Summit: the Can Gio International Transshipment Port, with investment exceeding US$4.9 billion, and a US$2.1 billion AI Factory data centre. "This is a positive sign of investors' interest and confidence in the city," he said.
Foreign investment has risen following the city's merger with Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau provinces. The expanded city now has more than 14 million residents and contributes approximately 23.5 per cent of Vietnam's gross domestic product. Ha noted HCMC's strengths in finance, trade, services and high-tech manufacturing, as well as its access to international shipping routes via the Cai Mep-Thi Vai deepwater port complex.
The city is focusing on four areas to attract further investment: improving institutions and long-term planning; linking foreign investors with domestic supply chains; developing infrastructure and growth drivers such as the international financial centre, free trade zones, logistics, AI and automation; and improving public services, transparency and business support.
HCMC's economy recorded broad growth during the period. Industrial production rose 11 per cent year-on-year, exports increased 10.9 per cent, and retail sales of goods and consumer services grew 14.7 per cent. Public investment disbursement exceeded VND114.4 trillion (US$4.48 billion), equivalent to 77.5 per cent of the annual plan. However, rising global fuel prices contributed to inflationary pressure, with the city's consumer price index increasing by an average of 4.78 per cent.
Business activity remained challenging. From the start of the year through 20 Oct, HCMC licensed more than 44,700 new businesses with combined registered capital of VND365.185 trillion. The number of newly established businesses fell 6 per cent year-on-year, while their registered capital dropped 58.1 per cent.
