Registered foreign investment in Ho Chi Minh City climbed to USD 17.2 billion between the start of the year and September 19, according to the city's Department of Finance, marking a 4.19-fold increase from the same period last year.
The figure represents 156.6 per cent of the city's annual target, meaning Ho Chi Minh City has already exceeded its 2026 goal of attracting USD 11 billion in foreign investment by 56.6 per cent.
A design plan for the future Can Gio international transshipment port (Photo: Portcoast).
The city granted investment registration certificates to 1,438 new projects with combined registered capital of USD 9.35 billion. A further 225 existing projects increased their capital commitments by a net USD 4.92 billion, while 1,450 capital contribution, share purchase and equity acquisition transactions were recorded, with a total value of USD 2.93 billion.
As of September 19, Ho Chi Minh City was home to 21,748 active foreign-invested projects with total registered capital exceeding USD 156.2 billion.
Mega-projects fuel growth
Newly licensed projects accounted for 54.3 per cent of total registered foreign investment, while additional capital injections into existing projects represented 28.6 per cent.
Officials said the sharp increase was largely driven by several large-scale developments that significantly boosted total registered capital and enabled the city to surpass its annual target months ahead of schedule.
According to the Department of Finance, the most notable new projects include the Can Gio International Transshipment Port, with total investment exceeding USD 4.9 billion, and the AI Factory Data Centre, valued at approximately USD 2.1 billion.
Both projects align with the city's strategic priorities in port infrastructure, logistics, digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence.
The Can Gio International Transshipment Port is expected to strengthen Vietnam's role in international cargo transshipment, expand maritime connectivity and stimulate growth in logistics, trade, transport and supporting industries.
Officials said that, when integrated with transport infrastructure projects, the port could enhance the city's competitive advantages in the maritime sector and deepen its participation in regional and global supply chains.
The AI Factory Data Centre is expected to expand computing, storage and data-processing capacity, supporting artificial intelligence applications, digital transformation and innovation.
The project is also expected to attract additional technology companies, foster high-value-added services and increase demand for skilled technical workers.
Existing investors expand commitments
Alongside new investments, foreign investors have proposed increasing capital by around USD 2.8 billion for the International University Urban Area project and by approximately USD 1.4 billion for the Smart Complex project in Functional Zone 2A of the Thu Thiem New Urban Area.
The proposals highlight continued investor interest in expanding large-scale developments across the city.
Based on current trends, officials estimate total registered foreign investment for the full year could reach approximately USD 19 billion, equivalent to 172.7 per cent of the annual target and around 72.7 per cent above the original goal.
The Department of Finance said it will continue working with government agencies, management boards and local authorities to accelerate administrative procedures for key projects, support existing investors seeking to expand operations and address regulatory obstacles affecting project implementation.
Investment promotion efforts will continue to focus on high technology, digital infrastructure, logistics, supporting industries, green manufacturing and other sectors with high added value.
