#Vietnam #Ho Chi Minh City #City Diplomacy #development zones

Ho Chi Minh City's Development Initiatives

Ho Chi Minh City has taken another significant step to affirm its position as a connecting hub for global resources and to enhance local diplomatic efforts through the successful execution of the 3rd Ho Chi Minh City Friendship Dialogue (FD 2026), which took place recently from September 10 to 12 in Vung Tau Ward. This year’s theme, "City Diplomacy: A Driving Force for Innovation and Sustainable Development," attracts numerous leaders from international localities and organizations who share strategic insights on local diplomacy and international integration.

At the recent Mayors' Conference, participants reached a consensus on utilizing local diplomacy to draw technological resources and talent to create a modern urban ecosystem aimed at fostering sustainable growth. This initiative encourages businesses to invest in research and development, commercialize innovative outcomes, and enhances the role of local governments in promoting port cooperation and achieving next-generation sustainability standards. One prominent outcome includes the proposal to explore a multilateral cooperation mechanism among cities focusing on seaports, establishing a platform for the exchange of experiences and data sharing, thereby broadening market access and strengthening supply chains.

Since its expansion on July 1, 2025, following the merger with Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City has entered a transformative phase of development. Covering over 6,770 km² and home to an excess of 14 million residents, the city encompasses three dynamic growth poles: a financial, commercial, and technology hub; a high-tech industrial manufacturing base; and a deep-water port system supplemented by a marine economy and coastal tourism. Strategic legal frameworks, including the recent Law on Urban Development and resolutions from the Politburo, set ambitious targets for the city’s economic growth.

Local diplomacy has emerged as a vital channel for translating the city's development potential into tangible results. By connecting with international financial centers and attracting high-tech investments, Ho Chi Minh City aims to promote technology transfers and expand supply chains to the Binh Duong industrial area. Currently, the city has established extensive networks with 88 foreign localities and nearly 20 global organizations, making it a significant destination for foreign direct investment.

In the first half of 2026, the city’s economy reached an astounding USD 60 billion, contributing to nearly 25% of Vietnam’s national GDP. The strategic infrastructure, highlighted by the Cai Mep - Thi Vai port cluster, stands as the largest deep-water seaport complex in southern Vietnam, facilitating significant maritime traffic. Furthermore, developments like the Phu My 3 Specialized Industrial Park embody successful cooperation between Vietnam and Japan, championing principles of ecological and industrial-symbiosis that align with stringent environmental standards.

The FD 2026 marks the city's capability in modern urban governance, fostering an environment conducive to high-quality investments, green technologies, and refined logistics solutions. This achievement not only reaffirms Ho Chi Minh City’s pioneering role in effective local diplomacy but also aligns with Vietnam's broader foreign policy initiatives, thereby enhancing the nation’s global reputation and reinforcing its position as a reliable player in worldwide value chains.

As Ho Chi Minh City strides further into its developed future, the focus remains on sustainable practices and innovation, pivotal in navigating the complexities of global relations while nurturing local growth and community welfare. The dialogue serves not only as a testament to the city's developmental trajectory but also as a blueprint for other regions aspiring to leverage local diplomacy for comprehensive growth initiatives.

For additional details, visit the official FD 2026 website.