Ho Chi Minh City is laying the groundwork for ambitious double-digit growth during the period of 2026 to 2030, setting an energetic tone for the business landscape. As the city charts its course for the remainder of 2025, each department has received specific mandates aimed at mobilizing approximately VND780 trillion (US$29.56 billion) in total social investment. The targets are equally ambitious: a 19.2% increase in total retail sales of goods and services and a 24.3% rise in exports. With tourism also taking center stage, the city aims to attract between 8.5 and 10 million international visitors, alongside 45 to 50 million domestic tourists, generating a tourism revenue between VND260 and 290 trillion.
The municipal People’s Committee has underscored the importance of rigorously implementing resolutions and policies from the Party Central Committee and local governing bodies. Authorities are set to unleash new breakthrough mechanisms while eliminating economic bottlenecks and advancing administrative reforms. To help businesses and citizens weather economic changes, ongoing tax, fee, and land rent exemptions, reductions, and deferrals will be in place, like a safety net woven to catch those who may falter.
Local officials are ramping up dialogue with investors, enterprises, cooperatives, and business households to swiftly identify challenges. Innovative measures like “green channels” dedicated to projects in export processing zones, industrial parks, and high-tech zones will be further encouraged, building a bridge between ambition and execution.
Departments and units have been tasked with cutting administrative processing times by at least 30% and reducing business costs by a similar margin. They will also work to eliminate at least one-third of unnecessary business conditions, paving the way for a more attractive investment climate. The city is steadfast in its commitment to achieving 100% disbursement of its 2025 state budget capital while simultaneously seeking to attract additional social investments wherever possible.
With an eye on the future, Ho Chi Minh City plans to accelerate the development of high value-added services while bolstering exports and trade. There’s also a strong push to stimulate domestic consumption and expand the tourism sector. Key areas for growth will focus on science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and nurturing high-quality human resources. A mix of investment models—including “public investment – private management” and “private investment – public use”—is set to be implemented.
Comprehensive digitalization of state management is a priority, with initiatives spanning digital government, economy, society, and citizen services. The city aims to enhance its data governance strategy and public administrative service systems while accelerating the deployment of 5G infrastructure—a plan so forward-thinking it might just have tech enthusiasts cheering from the sidelines.
In light of recent U.S. tariff policies, the People’s Committee is urging local authorities to collaborate closely with ministries to devise measures that bolster competitiveness. This includes support for affected sectors, establishing traceability systems, and enhancing integration within regional and global supply and value chains.
What major economic targets has Ho Chi Minh City set for 2025?
The city aims to mobilize approximately VND780 trillion (US$29.56 billion) in social investment, boost total retail sales by 19.2%, and increase exports by 24.3%.
How does Ho Chi Minh City plan to foster a better investment climate?
Authorities will cut administrative processing times by at least 30%, reduce business costs similarly, and eliminate a third of unnecessary business conditions to create a more attractive environment for investors.
What sectors is the city focusing on for future growth?
Ho Chi Minh City is prioritizing the development of high value-added services, science and technology, digital transformation, and high-quality human resources as part of its growth strategy.
