HCMC SEEKS SOUTH KOREAN INVESTMENT IN FOUR SECTORS
In the next phase of its development, HCMC is prioritizing efforts to attract investment from South Korean businesses in four strategic sectors, including developing an international financial center, building AI and semiconductor ecosystems, expanding the startup and venture capital ecosystem, and advancing smart urban and green growth projects.
VIETNAM, INDIA PLAN DIGITAL CORRIDOR TO BOOST BILATERAL TRADE TO US$25 BILLION
Plans to establish a bilateral digital corridor and connect cross-border payment infrastructure between India’s UPI system and Vietnam’s NAPAS network are expected to become a breakthrough solution for businesses in both countries to accelerate trade flows and help lift bilateral trade to US$25 billion by 2030. The strategic initiative was unveiled at the Vietnam – India Cross-Border E- Commerce Business Forum held on May 18 in Noida City, Uttar Pradesh State, India.
HCMC TARGETS TRACEABILITY FOR 60% OF VEGETABLE FARMS BY 2030
Under a plan recently issued by the HCMC government on developing concentrated safe vegetable production zones through 2030, the city will maintain 5,500 hectares of vegetable farmland, equivalent to 35,000 hectares of cultivated area based on crop rotation, with expected output reaching around 880,000 tons annually.
VIETNAM, CAMBODIA TARGET US$20 BILLION IN BILATERAL TRADE BY 2030
Vietnam and Cambodia are aiming to raise bilateral trade to US$20 billion by 2030 by promoting formal trade channels, improving logistics infrastructure, and accelerating expressway projects leading to international border gates. The strategy was discussed by government agencies and businesses from both countries at a trade promotion conference for southern Vietnam held in Dong Thap Province on May 15.
HANOI UNVEILS 100-YEAR VISION WITH US$200 BILLION GRDP TARGET
Hanoi has unveiled an ambitious long-term urban development plan targeting gross regional domestic product (GRDP) of around US$200 billion and per capita income of at least US$18,800 by 2035. Under Decision No. 2512/QD-UBND recently signed by the city government, the capital city aims to develop into a leading financial, trade and innovation hub in the Asia-Pacific region across a planned area of more than 3,359 square kilometers.
VIETNAM SEEKS HIGHER-QUALITY FOREIGN INVESTMENT
Vietnam will shift from mass foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction to a more selective approach focused on high technology, innovation and stronger links with domestic firms, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang said. Speaking at the Vietnam Connect Forum 2026 on May 13, the deputy prime minister emphasized that new-generation FDI should go beyond manufacturing and market expansion to help Vietnam create greater value, build new capabilities and strengthen its position in global supply chains.
SEAFOOD EXPORTS SEE SOLID EARLY-YEAR GROWTH
Vietnam’s seafood exports rose nearly 15% year-on-year to an estimated US$3.7 billion in the first four months of this year, putting the industry on track toward its US$12 billion target for the year, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP). The recovery was driven by major export products such as shrimp, tra fish (pangasius), squid, octopus, crab, shellfish, and other high-value seafood products, reported the Vietnam News Agency.
FOREIGN CAPITAL INFLOWS TO HCMC SOAR
Foreign investment into HCMC more than doubled in the first four months of 2026, while new business registrations surged, as Vietnam’s commercial hub accelerated reforms to achieve double-digit economic growth. Hoang Vu Thanh, director of HCMC’s Department of Finance, said at a meeting on May 8 that the city had attracted nearly US$3.3 billion in foreign investment since the start of the year, skyrocketing 127.1% year-on-year and equivalent to about 30.2% of its full-year target.
