Major tech, infrastructure gamers flock to southern metropolis
One of probably the most distinguished strikes got here with the signing of a long-term framework cooperation settlement involving Abu Dhabi-based G42 Group whose main shareholders embrace a UAE sovereign wealth fund, the US’s Microsoft Corp, alongside Vietnamese companions FPT Corp, VinaCapital and Viet Thai Group. The pact targets the event of large-scale, AI-ready knowledge centre infrastructure.
The undertaking, with commitments of as a lot as 2 billion USD, is carried out on the Saigon Hi-Tech Park (SHTP).
Nguyen Ky Phung, Head of the SHTP Management Board, mentioned Evolution Group’s deliberate 500 million USD knowledge centre undertaking can be shifting towards licensing on the park.
Separately, the municipal Department of Science and Technology signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation with Accelerated Infrastructure Capital (AIC) to develop an AI knowledge centre at Tan Phu Trung Industrial Park in Cu Chi commune.
The roughly 2.1 billion USD undertaking might be co-run by means of a three way partnership involving AIC, Kinh Bac City Development Holding Corp. (KBC) and overseas buyers, with full capital deployment focused by the top of the primary quarter of 2027.
In early March 2026, the Vietnam International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City (VIFC-HCMC) entered a strategic cooperation settlement with a consortium led by VinaCapital and the Global On-Chain Economy Alliance. They will examine, develop and function the Ho Chi Minh City Digital Asset Fund, envisioned as a market-forming automobile for a regional on-chain monetary hub. The fund goals for an eventual scale of 1 billion USD.
Lam Dinh Thang, Director of the municipal Department of Science and Technology, mentioned large-scale knowledge centres, AI, and cloud computing will speed up digital transformation whereas laying important groundwork for good metropolis improvement, together with the VIFC.
“We are committed to accompanying investors, refining special policy mechanisms and fostering an innovation ecosystem to sharpen the city’s competitiveness and technological standing in the region,” Thang mentioned.
Streamlined administrative procedures, land clearance enhance attraction
Administrative reforms have performed a key function in unlocking funding. In 2025, the town lower 435 procedures and simplified one other 441 linked to manufacturing and commerce, easing long-standing bottlenecks for companies and buyers.
The launch of a one-stop Public Administrative Service Centre late final yr has additional improved effectivity. Processing time for funding registration, overseas capital contributions, share acquisitions and undertaking changes have been shortened, with greater than 80% of procedures now obtainable through a web-based public service portal that enables distant completion regardless of administrative boundaries.
Following a broader administrative restructuring, authorities are accelerating funding in high-tech city zones. A sci-tech city space in former Binh Duong province (now half of Ho Chi Minh City), with a 220-ha core that includes innovation zones and digital training parks, might be surrounded by 1,700 ha of next-generation industrial zones targeted on semiconductors, AI and knowledge centres.
Meanwhile, underperforming initiatives are being reclaimed for higher-value use. SHTP plans to revise its 1/2,000 detailed planning and clear slow-moving websites in the primary quarter of 2026, releasing up about 100 ha of clear land for hi-tech and inexperienced expertise investments. A separate 200-ha science park is anticipated to start attracting buyers two years after infrastructure work if accepted by the Prime Minister.
“2026 will be an acceleration phase for SHTP, with a target of attracting 1.6 billion USD in FDI,” Phung mentioned, including that the park will shift its focus towards core applied sciences, semiconductors, AI, and innovation as an alternative of conventional manufacturing.
Improving transport hyperlinks is one other draw. Key initiatives slated to develop into operational in 2026, together with Long Thanh International Airport, Ring Road 3, Ben Luc – Long Thanh and Bien Hoa – Vung Tau expressways, will tighten regional connectivity, decrease logistics prices and open new industrial corridors.
Bullish FDI outlook for 2026
Ho Chi Minh City is on observe to satisfy or exceed its full-year FDI goal by mid-2026. In the primary quarter alone, the town attracted 2.9 billion USD in FDI, with one other 8.9 billion USD anticipated in the second quarter, Director of the municipal Department of Finance Vu Hoang Thanh informed a convention of the municipal Party Committee on April 1.
Truong Minh Huy Vu, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Research, highlighted a 47% surge in newly established firms, with complete registered and extra capital reaching practically 254 trillion VND, a transparent vote of confidence from the non-public sector.
Looking forward to 2026–2030, Vu mentioned institutional reforms, alongside standard drivers corresponding to funding, consumption and exports, might be important to sustaining double-digit progress. Key levers embrace the forthcoming Special Urban Law and the town’s grasp plan.
Tran Luu Quang, Secretary of the municipal Party Committee, famous that sturdy first-quarter efficiency, together with 8% financial progress, units a strong basis for the town to focus on 11–12% enlargement in 2026, supplied momentum is maintained over the remaining three quarters./. VNA