Investment Plans for HCM City’s Industrial Zones
HCM City is on a mission to revitalize its industrial landscape, aiming to attract a staggering $4.25 billion in investments within its export processing zones and industrial parks (IPs) this year. This ambitious initiative, championed by the HCM City Export Processing and Industrial Zones Authority (HEPZA), underscores the city’s commitment to transitioning towards a model anchored in high-tech, green, and sustainable development practices.
Focus on Quality and Capital Scale
Bùi Minh Trí, Director of HEPZA, emphasizes that this investment strategy balances both capital scale and project quality. The city has set a target to achieve an average investment intensity of $8–10 million per hectare. This focus is not merely about numbers; it reflects a commitment to fostering high-tech, high-value-added, and environmentally friendly industries that align with global sustainability goals.
Transformation Towards High-Tech and Green Technologies
Looking ahead, HCM City plans to transform its export processing zones and IPs through the adoption of high, green, and digital technologies. Trí notes a particular interest in promoting smart manufacturing projects that utilize resources efficiently. These initiatives are designed to integrate seamlessly into global value chains, ensuring that HCM City remains competitive on the world stage.
Long-Term Development Plans
In 2026, HCM City will intensify the execution of its master plan for the development of export processing zones alongside a restructuring of key industries. The plan will promote not only high-tech manufacturing but also eco-industrial parks and new-generation IPs. With approval from the municipal People’s Committee, innovative mechanisms and policies will be piloted to support this development, setting the stage for a more sustainable industrial future.
Administrative Reforms and Digital Transformation
This year, administrative reform and digital transformation will be at the forefront of HEPZA’s efforts. The authority aims to rank its industrial zone management units among the top five in the country based on the Public Administration Reform Index (PAR Index), the Department and District Competitiveness Index (DDCI), and the Digital Transformation Index (DTI). The goal is to ensure that all administrative procedures processed through both national and city public service portals are completed on time, if not ahead of schedule.
Strategic Importance of 2026
The year 2026 is pivotal for HCM City as it transitions into the 2026–2030 development phase. This period will be crucial for sustaining investor confidence and maintaining a transparent investment climate. The city’s expanded administrative boundaries will enhance its market size, industrial land availability, logistics infrastructure, and overall industrial-service ecosystem, solidifying its status as a hub for finance, trade, science, technology, and innovation.
Advantages for Investment
Economic experts point out that HCM City boasts strong advantages in location, workforce, and infrastructure, making it an attractive destination for investment. The city’s strategy to develop eco-industrial and smart IPs is particularly promising. These initiatives are expected to foster business growth, encourage long-term investments, and improve administrative transparency while accelerating the digitalization of processes.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
HCM City’s proactive approach to modernization and investment reflects a broader commitment to sustainable development, ensuring that the industrial sector evolves in a way that is mutually beneficial for businesses and the environment. The ambitious targets set for 2026 not only aim to attract significant foreign direct investment but also highlight the city’s strategic vision for a greener and more technologically advanced future.