HCMC – HCMC is stepping up efforts to attract investment into digital infrastructure and large-scale data centers to support smart city development and the Vietnam International Financial Center (VIFC).
At an investment promotion conference held on February 8 at the Saigon Innovation Hub (SIHUB), the HCMC Department of Science and Technology, in coordination with the Vietnam International Financial Center in HCMC (VIFC-HCMC), outlined the city’s strategy to build a modern digital foundation for financial and urban development.
Speaking at the event, Lam Dinh Thang, director of the city’s Department of Science and Technology, said HCMC is positioning itself as a technology and smart city leader, citing 5G coverage reaching 70% of the city, 12 operational data centers with a combined capacity of over 70MW, and an integrated urban management system. This includes AI-enabled surveillance cameras, digital twin technology, and the full adoption of electronic medical records.
He said these achievements reflect the city’s commitment to creating a transparent and efficient investment environment and working closely with global partners to develop next-generation smart city and financial center ecosystems.
For the 2026–2030 period, HCMC plans to treat digital infrastructure as a strategic priority. The city aims to develop hyperscale data centers, described as a digital brain, with the goal of ranking among the world’s top 50 smart cities. Authorities also pledged further administrative reforms and the establishment of inter-agency task forces to support strategic investors and ensure smooth and transparent project implementation.
To support these goals, HCMC is advancing several major digital infrastructure projects, including AI data centers with a capacity exceeding 100MW at Tan Phu Trung Industrial Park and the SGI-HCM Campus. The city is also restructuring 12 digital technology zones, developing a northern science and technology urban area, and expanding the Saigon Hi-Tech Park. Commitments include green energy infrastructure, investment incentives, workforce training in cooperation with Vietnam National University–HCMC, and sandbox mechanisms for emerging technologies.
At the conference, Pham Tuan Anh, head of the Technology Department at the VIFC-HCMC operating agency, said the center aims to build advanced technology infrastructure to function as a financial transit hub for both capital flows into Vietnam and global markets. He said VIFC-HCMC is expected to serve as a buffer for foreign direct investment, particularly foreign indirect investment, which has previously faced limited access mechanisms, while still ensuring national monetary security.
Experts and researchers at the event proposed measures to attract strategic investors, develop digital and financial infrastructure, and accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and fintech sandbox frameworks. Several speakers also called for a shift from capital-focused FDI attraction to prioritizing high technology, research and development, and stronger linkages with domestic enterprises.
