#Vietnam #Ho Chi Minh City #City Diplomacy #Friendship Dialogue

Ho Chi Minh City Strengthens Its Role in Global Connectivity

Ho Chi Minh City is rapidly establishing itself as a pivotal hub for global connection amid its recent hosting of the 3rd Ho Chi Minh City Friendship Dialogue (FD 2026) from September 10 to 12, 2026. This year's dialogue under the theme "City Diplomacy: A Driving Force for Innovation and Sustainable Development" gathered numerous global leaders to deliberate on the significance of local diplomacy in fostering international integration and innovation within urban ecosystems.

The Significance of Local Diplomacy

The focus of this year's gathering was on enhancing local diplomacy to harness technological advancements and talent, allowing participating cities to cultivate a contemporary urban environment bolstered by sustainable development principles. During the Mayors' Conference, a consensus was reached on leveraging these diplomatic strategies to attract investments and foster initiatives that enhance research and development (R&D) capabilities, transforming innovative outcomes into actionable business opportunities.

A key proposal that emerged was the concept of a city-level multilateral cooperation framework for seaports, aimed at facilitating recurring exchanges of knowledge and coordination among ports across the region, and aligning markets to meet the evolving sustainability standards required for the future.

A Newly Expanded Urban Landscape

Following its recent expansion, which includes the integration of Binh Duong and Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City now spans over 6,770 km² with a robust population exceeding 14 million. This merger has forged a comprehensive development zone comprising a financial and technology hub in the central area, a high-tech industrial base in Binh Duong, and a thriving marine economy and tourism sector in Vung Tau. As part of its updated legal framework, the Law on Urban Development was enacted on August 24, 2026, guiding the region towards ambitious GDP targets — aiming for USD 14,000 per capita by 2030 and USD 75,000 by 2045.

Local diplomacy stands as a crucial conduit to convert this potential into tangible resources, establishing connections with global financial centers and attracting expertise and high-tech investments to enhance the urban landscape. It further promotes investment opportunities, technology transfer, and efficient supply chain mechanisms for the industrial sectors of Binh Duong, while allowing Vung Tau to engage seamlessly with global logistics networks.

A Network of Global Partnerships

Currently, Ho Chi Minh City sustains an expansive network of international relations, with partnerships with 88 foreign cities and nearly 20 global organizations. This interconnected setup has made the city a highly sought-after destination for foreign direct investments, accounting for over 20,000 active projects, thus significantly contributing to both national development and technological advancement. In the first half of 2026 alone, the city’s economy reached nearly USD 60 billion—a remarkable achievement that has driven its contribution to Vietnam's overall GDP to around 25%.

Furthermore, the Cai Mep - Thi Vai port complex has been recognized as the largest of its kind in Southern Vietnam. Its capabilities rank it among the top 20 globally, accommodating vessels as large as 250,000 DWT, reinforcing Ho Chi Minh City’s strategic infrastructure.

The Phu My 3 Specialized Industrial Park signifies effective collaboration between Vietnam and Japan, exemplifying sustainability through ecological principles and industrial symbiosis, echoing the ongoing commitment to Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards.

Conclusion

The successful execution of FD 2026 reflects Ho Chi Minh City's capability to implement modern urban governance practices while creating direct pathways for attracting high-quality investments and green technologies. It underscores Vietnam’s growing role in local diplomacy, aligning national interests with international standards — establishing the country as a pivotal entity in global value chains. As Ho Chi Minh City navigates this new era of development and diplomacy, it not only uplifts its stature but also contributes significantly to the broader global dialogue on sustainability and innovation.