At a press briefing on October 20, Lê Trường Duy, Director of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC C4IR), stated that the city is preparing to introduce a portfolio of 12 new investment projects with total registered capital exceeding USD 13 billion. The announcement will take place within the framework of the Autumn Economic Forum 2026 (AEF 2026), scheduled for October 26–29 in Ho Chi Minh City. This initiative highlights the southern economic hub's proactive push to unlock fresh growth engines and mobilize large-scale international capital.
Large-scale project portfolio targeting essential infrastructure
According to VnEconomy, the 12 projects totaling over USD 13 billion will concentrate primarily on infrastructure, logistics, energy, and related industrial sectors. These fundamental pillars serve as the backbone for regional industrial manufacturing and freight transport.
This strategic project portfolio is unveiled against the backdrop of sustained foreign investment momentum into Vietnam. Data compiled by VietnamPlus indicates that in the first nine months of 2026, total registered FDI into Vietnam reached USD 50.36 billion, up 76.4% year-on-year. Realized FDI also rose 12.1% to USD 21.07 billion—the highest disbursement level recorded in five years. Presenting a clear pipeline of concrete projects enables the city to capture international capital flows targeting high-potential emerging markets.
Autumn Economic Forum 2026: A platform for dialogue and resources
According to the organizers, AEF 2026 is themed "Collaborative Spirit in a New Era" and anchored around the message "Convergence of New Global Growth Poles." The forum is expected to gather more than 1,500 domestic and international delegates, featuring 21 panel discussions and 16 sideline activities. Main sessions from October 27 to 28 will be hosted at the Thiskyhall Sala Convention Center (An Khanh Ward) under a co-branding collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF).
The event agenda is structured to facilitate high-level networking across several core programs:
- CEO 500 Conference (October 26): Bringing together over 500 domestic and foreign business leaders to discuss shifts in FDI flows, technology adoption, and global supply chain restructuring. Concurrently, the Green Economy Forum and Exhibition (GRECO 2026) will take place in the city center.
- Thematic Sessions (October 27): 16 specialized sessions exploring green transformation, circular economy models, AI in municipal governance, international financial centers, quantum computing, green logistics, and advanced manufacturing. Concurrently, the Rising Star Arena will feature approximately 30 organizations showcasing technology solutions across four rotating stages.
- High-level Dialogue (October 28): A plenary session on emerging growth drivers with the participation and dialogue of the Prime Minister of Vietnam. On this occasion, the Vietnam International Financial Centre in HCMC (VIFC-HCMC) will officially announce 10 new members.
- Bilateral Matchmaking & Field Surveys (October 29): Focusing on bilateral cooperation networks between Vietnam and the United Kingdom, China, the Nordic region, and Israel across trade, manufacturing, and technology. International delegates will also join industrial park surveys to evaluate the local investment landscape.
As of October 20, high-level delegations from 22 countries have confirmed their attendance, including economic, trade, and technology officials from the Philippines, Qatar, the United Kingdom, and India, alongside various business councils and diplomatic missions.
Strategic implications for businesses
HCMC's release of an investment pipeline valued at over USD 13 billion presents concrete avenues for foreign companies:
- Early access to infrastructure and logistics tenders: Surging demand for expanding seaport systems, logistics parks, and green transport networks across the southern hub opens substantial room for construction consortiums, infrastructure developers, and industrial equipment suppliers to participate in bidding or joint ventures.
- Leveraging high-level policy dialogue: The forum provides direct opportunities for working with authorities and attending discussions with national leadership, helping enterprises understand regulatory roadmaps and regulatory sandbox policies.
- Refining supply chain architecture: Bilateral sessions and industrial park surveys offer prime opportunities for international companies to assess the local manufacturing ecosystem, optimize their supply chains, and expand advanced production footprints in Vietnam.
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References
- VnEconomy
- VietnamPlus
