HCM City People's Committee Chairman Nguyen Van Duoc stated the goal at the closing session of the Autumn Economic Forum 2026 (AEF 2026) on October 28, following discussions on emerging growth drivers and cooperation amid major shifts in the global economy.
According to Duoc, the forum drew more than 1,500 delegates from 60 countries and territories, including 22 delegations of foreign government and local officials, 10 international organisation representatives, seven centres from the global network of Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR), and 500 foreign business representatives and experts.
The event featured 250 speakers, 22 discussion sessions and demonstrations of 32 technologies, solutions and innovative ideas.
Duoc said the discussions showed that emerging growth centres were defined not only by the size of their economies but also by their ability to connect resources and markets and exert regional and global influence.
Alongside countries, megacities, major corporations and large businesses are increasingly playing important roles in shaping new growth centres.
Growth drivers are also shifting towards science, technology, innovation and highly skilled workers, supported by production capacity, market access and capital mobilisation.
Technology needs to be translated into products, services and production capabilities, while large companies should strengthen links with small and medium-sized enterprises, supporting industries and start-up ecosystems.
International cooperation must also move beyond isolated opportunities towards practical networks connecting investment with technology, finance, manufacturing and logistics.
As a megacity, HCM City is well placed to strengthen links with economic centres in Northeast Asia, ASEAN, India, the Middle East, the United States and other regions, expanding opportunities to participate in global value chains.
"Looking ahead to the next 50 years, the city aims to become a smart, sustainable global metropolis, deeply integrated internationally and actively contributing to new growth drivers in the region and the world," Duoc told the forum.
HCM City launches year-end spending stimulus programme
At AEF 2026, the HCM City Department of Industry and Trade, the operating authority of the Vietnam International Financial Centre in HCM City (VIFC-HCMC) and other city departments announced plans for the Vibrant HCMC stimulus programme for late 2026 and the 2027 Lunar New Year holiday.
The programme, carrying the message "HCM City-Vibrant in Every Experience", aims to boost consumer spending, trade and tourism through a five-in-one approach integrating shopping, entertainment, e-commerce, digital payments and digital demand stimulation.
As of October 27, the programme had brought together around 97 promotional campaigns from participating partners, with stimulus packages expected to exceed VND 250 billion in total value.
The offers include vouchers, direct discounts, electronic gifts, interest rate support and other incentives.
E-commerce platforms, service providers, retailers, banks and payment organisations will implement the promotions under their respective terms and conditions.
To make the offers more accessible to residents and visitors, HCM City also launched two digital platforms.
Hello, available at hello.hochiminhcity.gov.vn, is a tourism and experience platform connecting destinations, events, services and travel promotions.
It integrates cross-border payment solutions, allowing international visitors to use familiar payment methods when shopping, accessing services and exploring HCM City.
Song Dong, available at songdong.hochiminhcity.gov.vn, is a domestic consumer stimulus platform bringing together shopping campaigns, promotions, vouchers and business offers.
The platform aims to help residents access consumer deals while supporting businesses and household enterprises in expanding their markets.
