With strong political determination and close guidance from Party committees and authorities at all levels, Ho Chi Minh City has set a target of mobilizing total social investment capital of approximately 1.18 trillion VND, equivalent to 30% of GRDP, in order to successfully achieve a growth target of 10% or more in 2026.
The socio-economic situation continues to improve
In the first two months of 2026, the socio-economic situation in Ho Chi Minh City continued to show significant positive developments. Indicators of industrial production, trade, and services all showed a clear recovery compared to the same period last year, reflecting the effectiveness of timely and comprehensively implemented policies and guidelines from the central to local levels.
However, alongside these achievements, the health of the business community still faces issues that need attention and resolution. While the number of newly established businesses is trending upwards, the number of businesses withdrawing from the market remains high. Specifically, in the first two months of the year, 19,595 businesses temporarily ceased operations, an increase of 6.5% compared to the same period; and 2,015 businesses dissolved, an increase of over 156%. This places an urgent demand on all levels and sectors to continue improving the investment and business environment, removing institutional bottlenecks and enhancing the capital absorption capacity of businesses.
Mobilizing total investment capital, striving to attract 11 billion USD in FDI
In implementing the Resolution of the City Party Committee and the direction of the Government, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Finance has developed a comprehensive resource mobilization plan, in which the total social investment capital in 2026 is expected to reach approximately 1.18 trillion VND. Within this structure, the state sector contributes approximately 148,000 billion VND; the non-state sector contributes approximately 1.032 trillion VND.
Public investment is identified as "seed capital" that plays a leading role in activating and multiplying social resources. The city is focusing on directing and accelerating the disbursement of public investment capital, resolutely resolving obstacles in long-standing stalled projects, and ensuring that capital is used effectively, for the right purpose, and on schedule.
Regarding attracting foreign investment, the city aims to attract approximately 11 billion USD in FDI, selectively prioritizing high-tech sectors, digital transformation, logistics, trade and services, and processing and manufacturing industries. Several strategic infrastructure projects have been identified as key drivers of growth, including: the Can Gio - Vung Tau sea bridge, the Phu My 2 bridge, the Rach Chiec Sports Complex, and the Thu Thiem Administrative and Political Center.
Synchronously promoting growth pillars
Along with investment, domestic consumption and exports continue to be identified as important pillars in the economic growth structure. The city aims for a total retail sale of goods and consumer service revenue to increase by over 15%, contributing more than 50% of the GRDP growth to the trade and service sector. The service sector strives for a growth rate of approximately 10.5%, with tourism identified as a key economic sector aiming to welcome approximately 11 million international visitors, 50 million domestic visitors, and total revenue estimated at VND 330,000 billion.
The logistics sector is oriented towards a growth rate of 14-15%, increasing its contribution to GRDP to approximately 8-10%. Relevant agencies are actively reviewing and adjusting infrastructure fees and logistics costs to create the most favorable conditions for businesses and enhance the city's competitiveness in the region. Regarding international trade, exports are expected to increase by approximately 10%, higher than the projected 8% increase in imports, while proactively expanding markets and effectively utilizing the free trade agreements that Vietnam has signed.
Innovating the growth model and exploiting new drivers
Recognizing the urgent demands of the new situation, Ho Chi Minh City identifies the innovation of its growth model as a prerequisite for maintaining high and sustainable development in the long term. The digital economy is targeted to account for approximately 30% of GRDP by 2026. The city commits to allocating 4-5% of its total budget expenditure to science and technology and digital transformation, focusing on developing digital infrastructure, building an innovation ecosystem, especially in core technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and digital technology.
A notable highlight is the International Finance Centre in Ho Chi Minh City, which officially commenced operations in early February 2026. This is identified as a crucial economic institution, built with groundbreaking mechanisms and policies regarding taxation, fees, foreign exchange management, and a controlled testing (sandbox) mechanism. The Centre is expected to become a "magnet" attracting international capital and global financial institutions, opening a new chapter in the economic development of the city and the country.
With the determination of the entire political system, the consensus of the business community and the people, Ho Chi Minh City has the necessary foundation and conditions to successfully achieve its socio-economic development goals and tasks for 2026, befitting its role as the economic locomotive of the country.