International Financial Center-HCMC secures over $8 bln in early commitments

The International Financial Center-Ho Chi Minh City (VIFC-HCMC) has attracted $8.1 billion in pledged investment from international institutions and strategic partners just over a month after its launch on February 11, underscoring growing investor interest despite global uncertainties.

Of the total, around $6.1 billion is earmarked for developing a maritime financial center to support trade finance and logistics, while $2 billion will fund smart urban data infrastructure and financial systems.

In addition, a $1 billion on-chain economy investment fund has been established, focusing on blockchain, asset tokenisation, and next-generation digital finance models.

It is expected that cross-border trade transactions will also be conducted through the VIFC-HCMC's interbank financial system in the near future.

The early inflows come as HCMC improves its standing in the latest Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI 39), where it ranked 84th with 665 points, up 11 places from a year earlier.

Within Southeast Asia, the city now ranks third, behind Singapore (ranking fourth) and Kuala Lumpur (placed 42nd), and ahead of Bangkok and Jakarta.

Analysts said the sharp rise in rankings signals that the city is gaining recognition as an emerging destination for global capital.

The GFCI report also placed HCMC among 15 financial centers expected to gain greater prominence over the next two to three years, while its fintech ranking rose seven places to 83rd.

Vietnam’s central city of Danang was also highlighted as a potential new entrant, listed among “associate centers” being monitored for future inclusion.

The country is building an international financial center, located in both HCMC and Danang.

Despite external shocks, HCMC’s economy has shown resilience, with registered FDI capital reaching nearly $2.9 billion in the first quarter, up 219% year-on-year, according to local authorities.

Officials said the figures reflect sustained confidence among international investors as the city pushes ahead with its ambition to become a leading financial hub in the region.

"VIFC-HCMC is beginning to be revalued on the global financial map, from a frontier market to a potential destination for international capital flows," said Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Huu Huan, vice chairman of the VIFC-HCMC.