Ho Chi Minh City Expands Development Zones and Strengthens Local Diplomacy Initiatives
Ho Chi Minh City has recently reinforced its position as a pivotal gateway connecting global resources while enhancing local diplomatic engagements. This was notably demonstrated during the successful execution of the third iteration of the Ho Chi Minh City Friendship Dialogue (FD 2026), which took place from September 10-12 in the coastal region of Vung Tau. This year's theme, "City Diplomacy: A Catalyst for Innovation and Sustainable Development," convened leaders from various international localities and organizations to exchange strategic insights on local diplomacy and proactive approaches to global integration.
During the mayoral conference, attendees debated practical ways to leverage local diplomacy to attract technological resources and talent, aimed at establishing a modern urban ecosystem that supports sustainable growth. Participating communities also shared solutions to encourage businesses to invest in Research and Development (R&D), market innovations, and enhance local government cooperation for port operations, ensuring compliance with next-gen sustainable development standards.
One notable outcome from the discussions was the consensus on the need to study the establishment of a multilateral cooperation mechanism among cities focused on maritime ports. This initiative would facilitate regular forums to exchange experiences, data sharing, strengthen linkages and coordination amongst ports, and broaden markets while interconnecting supply chains to meet modern sustainability standards.
With the introduction of significant administrative changes, Ho Chi Minh City has entered a new developmental phase since July 1, 2025, after merging with Binh Duong and Ba Ria - Vung Tau. This expansion encompasses over 6,770 square kilometers with a population exceeding 14 million. The newly unified city includes three of Vietnam's most dynamic growth hubs: a financial and commercial center in the downtown area, a high-tech industrial center in Binh Duong, and a comprehensive deep-water port economy in Vung Tau. This expansive developmental framework is complemented by crucial legislative backing, like the urban development law passed by the National Assembly on August 24, 2026, alongside the Politburo's resolution from May 19, 2026, that sets ambitious development goals for the city.
The local diplomacy strategy plays a crucial role in transforming Ho Chi Minh City's developmental potential into concrete benefits—connecting with international financial centers, attracting experts, and drawing high-tech investments. The city aims to promote investments, transfer technology, and extend supply chains, especially in the Binh Duong industrial zone, while initiating a dedicated forum for multilateral port cooperation that focuses on sustainable governance.
Currently, Ho Chi Minh City boasts a robust network of local international relations, having established friendships with 88 foreign municipalities and various global organizations. As a preferred destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), the city hosts over 20,000 active FDI projects that significantly contribute to technology capital flows and national development resources. In the first half of 2026 alone, the city’s economy reached nearly $60 billion, marking its highest point in a decade, accounting for about 25% of Vietnam's GDP and more than 30% of the state budget.
Strategic regional infrastructures fortify the city's developmental stance. The Cai Mep - Thi Vai port complex ranks as the largest deep-water port in southern Vietnam, holding the 19th position globally for large vessel capacity. With an average depth of 14 meters, it accommodates ships with a maximum deadweight of 250,000 tons. Meanwhile, the Phu My 3 specialized industrial park—an emblem of cooperation between Vietnamese and Japanese governments—is being constructed in line with strict ecological and industrial symbiosis principles and ESG norms.
These strategic advantages imbue Ho Chi Minh City with renewed vigor as it strengthens its internal capabilities and enhances its appeal to investments from both high-tech sectors and green industries as it plans for future growth. The successful organization of FD 2026 not only showcases the city's capacity for modern urban governance but also paves an efficient pathway to attract quality investments, green technologies, and cutting-edge logistics, presenting Vietnam with an effective model for local diplomacy. This initiative highlights Ho Chi Minh City's pioneering role in implementing coordinated foreign policy at the local level, in accordance with the principle that foreign affairs are a crucial and ongoing mission, thereby enhancing Vietnam's international standing and advancing its goal of becoming a reliable link in global value chains.
For more information, please visit the FD 2026 website.
During the mayoral conference, attendees debated practical ways to leverage local diplomacy to attract technological resources and talent, aimed at establishing a modern urban ecosystem that supports sustainable growth. Participating communities also shared solutions to encourage businesses to invest in Research and Development (R&D), market innovations, and enhance local government cooperation for port operations, ensuring compliance with next-gen sustainable development standards.
One notable outcome from the discussions was the consensus on the need to study the establishment of a multilateral cooperation mechanism among cities focused on maritime ports. This initiative would facilitate regular forums to exchange experiences, data sharing, strengthen linkages and coordination amongst ports, and broaden markets while interconnecting supply chains to meet modern sustainability standards.
With the introduction of significant administrative changes, Ho Chi Minh City has entered a new developmental phase since July 1, 2025, after merging with Binh Duong and Ba Ria - Vung Tau. This expansion encompasses over 6,770 square kilometers with a population exceeding 14 million. The newly unified city includes three of Vietnam's most dynamic growth hubs: a financial and commercial center in the downtown area, a high-tech industrial center in Binh Duong, and a comprehensive deep-water port economy in Vung Tau. This expansive developmental framework is complemented by crucial legislative backing, like the urban development law passed by the National Assembly on August 24, 2026, alongside the Politburo's resolution from May 19, 2026, that sets ambitious development goals for the city.
The local diplomacy strategy plays a crucial role in transforming Ho Chi Minh City's developmental potential into concrete benefits—connecting with international financial centers, attracting experts, and drawing high-tech investments. The city aims to promote investments, transfer technology, and extend supply chains, especially in the Binh Duong industrial zone, while initiating a dedicated forum for multilateral port cooperation that focuses on sustainable governance.
Currently, Ho Chi Minh City boasts a robust network of local international relations, having established friendships with 88 foreign municipalities and various global organizations. As a preferred destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), the city hosts over 20,000 active FDI projects that significantly contribute to technology capital flows and national development resources. In the first half of 2026 alone, the city’s economy reached nearly $60 billion, marking its highest point in a decade, accounting for about 25% of Vietnam's GDP and more than 30% of the state budget.
Strategic regional infrastructures fortify the city's developmental stance. The Cai Mep - Thi Vai port complex ranks as the largest deep-water port in southern Vietnam, holding the 19th position globally for large vessel capacity. With an average depth of 14 meters, it accommodates ships with a maximum deadweight of 250,000 tons. Meanwhile, the Phu My 3 specialized industrial park—an emblem of cooperation between Vietnamese and Japanese governments—is being constructed in line with strict ecological and industrial symbiosis principles and ESG norms.
These strategic advantages imbue Ho Chi Minh City with renewed vigor as it strengthens its internal capabilities and enhances its appeal to investments from both high-tech sectors and green industries as it plans for future growth. The successful organization of FD 2026 not only showcases the city's capacity for modern urban governance but also paves an efficient pathway to attract quality investments, green technologies, and cutting-edge logistics, presenting Vietnam with an effective model for local diplomacy. This initiative highlights Ho Chi Minh City's pioneering role in implementing coordinated foreign policy at the local level, in accordance with the principle that foreign affairs are a crucial and ongoing mission, thereby enhancing Vietnam's international standing and advancing its goal of becoming a reliable link in global value chains.
For more information, please visit the FD 2026 website.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.