JUNE 2026 NEWSLETTER

In June 2026, the Vietnam International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City (VIFC-HCMC) recorded significant progress in its development strategy. Key activities focused on refining institutional frameworks, strengthening international cooperation, and actively attracting global financial institutions to join its growing ecosystem.

VIFC-HCMC: A Breakthrough Driver for the 100-Year Strategy of Building a Multi-Polar Mega City

On the morning of June 2, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council, along with city research and planning departments, held a conference on the "100-year Master Plan for Ho Chi Minh City." The conference identified the Vietnam International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City (VIFC-HCMC) as one of the five strategic economic pillars and a core element of the city's multi-polar development model. Experts emphasized that the VIFC will help attract high-quality resources, enhance international competitiveness, and provide the foundation for Ho Chi Minh City to become a major regional metropolis in the long term.

Prime Minister: "Create Breakthrough Mechanisms for Key Financial Products at the Financial Center"

On the afternoon of June 2, the Prime Minister chaired a meeting on the implementation of the Vietnam International Financial Center. The Government requested the acceleration of the legal framework, operational models, and necessary conditions to put the center into operation soon. Additionally, the Prime Minister tasked relevant agencies with creating new financial products, improving the ability to attract strategic investors, and perfecting management mechanisms to enhance Vietnam's competitiveness in the international financial market.

Australia Ready to Partner with HCMC to Build the International Financial Center

On June 12, Ho Chi Minh City leaders met with the new Australian Consul General, Kate Wallace, to discuss the development of the International Financial Center. Australia expressed its readiness to share experience regarding capital markets, human resource training, and connecting with international financial institutions. This is a significant step in expanding international cooperation, contributing to the development of the VIFC-HCMC ecosystem and increasing its attractiveness to foreign investors.

Prime Minister Directs Early Operation of the HCMC International Financial Center, Avoiding Over-Perfectionism

During a working session on June 13 with Ho Chi Minh City leaders, the Prime Minister requested the acceleration of the International Financial Center's progress with a spirit of "avoiding over-perfectionism"—implementing products as they are developed. The Government will soon establish a steering committee to promote operational progress, create conditions to attract medium and long-term capital, and accelerate the construction of an international financial ecosystem in Vietnam.

UK and Vietnam Strengthen Cooperation in Green Finance and Energy Transition

The United Kingdom announced two new cooperation initiatives with Vietnam regarding offshore wind power and green finance. These programs support the development of a green financial ecosystem, the creation of a legal framework based on international standards, and the integration of sustainable development standards into the VIFC from the early stages. This marks an important milestone in international cooperation, contributing to enhancing HCMC's capacity to attract green capital flows.

Strategic Discussion on the Development of the Vietnam International Financial Center (VIFC): VIFC-HCMC in Collaboration with IFTC and SLEI

The strategic discussion on developing the Vietnam International Financial Center (VIFC) focused on building a financial hub that creates real value for the economy. With the participation of international representatives from finance, fintech, blockchain, technology, and academia, the session emphasized the role of public-private partnerships, institutional innovation, and global knowledge connectivity to develop the VIFC into a modern, sustainable, and internationally competitive financial ecosystem.

50 Years of HCMC Financial Development: A Premise for an International Financial Center 

At a scientific conference on June 25, experts assessed that the development of HCMC's finance and banking sector over the past 50 years has created a vital foundation for forming an International Financial Center. The conference also proposed promoting specific mechanisms, developing capital markets, and implementing sandboxes to improve competitiveness and support HCMC in integrating more deeply into the global financial network.

International Financial Center: One of HCMC’s Three New Growth Drivers

At a conference on June 26 regarding the arrangement of organizational structures, the Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee affirmed that the International Financial Center is one of the city's three new growth drivers, alongside logistics and science-technology. This milestone demonstrates HCMC's determination to develop a modern financial ecosystem, improve the quality of growth, and enhance connectivity with international markets.

VIFC-HCMC: A New Development Space for Attracting High-Quality Capital

At a conference on June 30, leaders of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee emphasized that VIFC-HCMC is a new space designed to attract high-quality capital and promote sustainable growth. The city also worked with UOB to explore opportunities for developing financial products, regulatory sandboxes, and expanding investment cooperation. The interest from international financial institutions is seen as a positive signal for the progress of building the International Financial Center.

First Foreign Bank Commences Construction of Specialized Headquarters at VIFC-HCMC

On July 1, UOB Vietnam officially started the construction of the UOB Plaza building in the Ba Son area, with a total investment of approximately 450 million USD. This is the first foreign bank to invest in a specialized headquarters within the Vietnam International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City (VIFC-HCMC), reflecting confidence in the city's investment environment and development prospects. The project is expected to contribute to building an international financial ecosystem, promoting the flow of capital, trade, and green finance, and raising HCMC's position on the regional financial map.