Hanoi (VNA) - Though only recently operational, the Vietnam International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City (VIFC–HCMC) has already reported encouraging initial results, signaling strong investor confidence and positioning itself as a new gateway for large-scale capital flows into Vietnam.
Multi-billion-dollar commitments
In early February, on the sidelines of the Singapore Airshow 2026, VIFC–HCMC and Vietjet Air announced the establishment of the Asia-Pacific Aviation Financial Hub under the umbrella of VIFC–HCMC. Immediately following its launch, the hub secured investment commitments exceeding 6.1 billion USD through a series of agreements between Vietjet and international partners.
Prior to this, VIFC–HCMC had set up a Maritime Financial Hub to support trade finance and logistics, with the participation of major global shipping groups. It has also mobilised 2 billion USD for smart urban data infrastructure and financial programes serving Ho Chi Minh City’s development, under cooperation agreements involving G42 of the United Arab Emirates and a consortium of domestic investors.
In parallel, VIFC–HCMC established an investment fund dedicated to the on-chain economy, with committed capital of 1 billion USD. The fund focuses on blockchain, asset tokenisation and next-generation digital financial models. This initiative stems from a strategic partnership between VIFC–HCMC and a joint venture between VinaCapital and the Global On-chain Economic Alliance to research and operate Ho Chi Minh City’s digital asset investment fund.
According to Rich McClellan, CEO of the VIFC–HCMC Operating Authority, recent weeks have seen growing interest from foreign investors seeking to channel investments into Vietnam through the financial centre.
Among them, Vantage Point Management, a Singapore- and Australia-based asset management firm overseeing multi-billion-dollar portfolios, has expressed ambitions to mobilise up to 10 billion USD from global institutional investors for allocation into infrastructure and real assets. Founding and strategic members of VIFC–HCMC have likewise pledged to attract and accompany international investors.
Building trust and an enabling framework
To attract leading global investors and financial institutions, a transparent and competitive policy framework is essential. The National Assembly’s Resolution 222 on the International Financial Centre in Vietnam, together with eight government decrees guiding its implementation, provides substantial incentives.
Economists note that Vietnam’s policy package offers advantages compared to several regional financial hubs, including corporate income tax and personal income tax incentives for experts, scientists and highly skilled professionals working at the centre. These competitive benefits enhance Vietnam’s appeal to major global investors.
Associate Professor Dr. Tran Hoang Ngan, a National Assembly deputy and Chairman of the Advisory Council for Breakthrough Development at Saigon University, observed that as Vietnam accelerates into a new development era, the international financial centre will serve as a companion to the country’s key growth drivers.
Beyond preferential policies, he emphasised the importance of building a comprehensive ecosystem around VIFC–HCMC so investors can clearly identify opportunities and benefit from supportive national policies. The early establishment of the Cai Mep Ha Free Trade Zone is expected to generate important synergies for the centre.
Agreeing with this view, economist Dr. Nguyen Tri Hieu stressed that foreign investors assess not only the operations of the IFC itself, but also the broader investment climate across Vietnam. Accordingly, alongside regulatory breakthroughs within VIFC–HCMC, reforms beyond its boundaries must continue to align more closely with international standards and practices./.
VNA
