Ho Chi Minh City pivots toward premium foreign investment amid rising competition

Ho Chi Minh City has secured foreign direct investment exceeding $17.8 billion in the first nine months of 2026, surpassing its full-year target ahead of schedule. The strong performance underscores the city's continued appeal to multinational corporations despite intensifying global competition for capital.

However, city authorities are recalibrating their investment strategy to emphasize quality over quantity. Rather than pursuing FDI volume alone, Ho Chi Minh City is now targeting higher-value projects that promise greater economic returns and technological advancement. This shift reflects a broader recognition that sustainable growth depends on attracting investors in knowledge-intensive sectors and advanced manufacturing.

To support this repositioning, the city is accelerating infrastructure improvements and business environment reforms. Alongside these efforts, Ho Chi Minh City is working to strengthen its position within global supply chains, positioning itself as a premium hub for regional and international commerce.

The strategy comes as the city prepares to co-brand the Autumn Economic Forum 2026 with the World Economic Forum, signaling its ambitions as a regional economic center. Complementary initiatives include advancing waste-to-energy treatment capabilities and exploring international bond issuance through the city's emerging financial center.