HCMC – HCMC has invited Slovakia to join from the outset in building the Vietnam International Financial Center (VIFC), positioning it as a pillar of bilateral cooperation.
Nguyen Cong Vinh, vice chairman of the HCMC People’s Committee, made the proposal at the Vietnam–Slovakia Business Forum on April 15.
He described VIFC-HCMC as a priority project aimed at attracting capital and linking financial institutions, investment funds, fintech firms, insurers, and cross-border trading platforms between Europe and ASEAN.
Slovakia, with strengths in finance, digital technology, and data governance, is expected to act as a strategic partner during the early development phase of VIFC-HCMC, according to Vinh.
HCMC is also promoting sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, data centers, cloud computing, industrial robotics, and smart manufacturing. The city is seeking partners for research, workforce training, and technology value chains, not only investment.
Following its merger with Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau provinces in early July last year, HCMC now covers more than 6,700 square kilometers and has a population of more than 14 million. Its gross regional domestic product accounts for about 25% of the national total, providing a basis for developing a new economic model centered on finance, technology, and logistics.
Nguyen Quang Vinh, vice chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), noted that Slovakia’s location in Central Europe and Vietnam’s position as a gateway to ASEAN could complement each other, particularly through the existing free trade agreement with the European Union.
He proposed launching direct flights and expanding cargo transport to strengthen business links. On April 13, Vietnam and Slovakia upgraded ties to a strategic partnership during Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s official visit to Vietnam from April 12 to 14.
Vietnam and Slovakia established diplomatic ties in 1950.
