At session 2 of the International Conference “Technological breakthrough and innovation – Creating future generations for Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City”, policymakers, financial experts, international investment funds… outlined the roadmap for building a new generation International Financial Center (IFC), towards attracting international capital, developing green finance and affirming that Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City is a “new pulse” in the APEC financial ecosystem.

Session 2 with the theme “International Financial Center: Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City – a new pulse in the APEC financial ecosystem” has given strategic directions: building IFC Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang follow the IFC 2.0 model, a pioneering and different model that puts technology elements (Fintech, AI, Blockchain) at the center, prioritizing the development of green finance and bringing digital assets out of the “gray zone”… This is the highlight of the International Conference “Technological breakthrough and innovation – Creating future generations for Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City” organized by the Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City organized within the framework of WISE HCMC⁺ 2025 (Ho Chi Minh City Innovation, Science and Technology and Creative Startup Week). Ho Chi Minh City in 2025).

Ms. Nguyen Truc Van, Director of the Center for Socio-Economic Simulation and Forecasting, Ho Chi Minh City Institute of Development Studies. Ho Chi Minh City (HIDS), has updated its plan to launch IFC. According to Resolution 222 (2025), IFC Vietnam is positioned with three strategic breakthroughs: fintech and digital banking, green finance, and commodity/derivatives exchanges. Exchanges will not only stop at traditional derivatives but also expand into new areas such as carbon credits, arts and cultural products, and precious metals, creating unique channels for capital raising and asset valuation.

Ms. Nguyen Truc Van, representative of the Ho Chi Minh City Institute of Development Studies. Ho Chi Minh City (HIDS), presented a presentation at the conference

In order to attract high-quality human resources and capital flows, a comprehensive preferential policy framework has been proposed, including specific mechanisms on foreign exchange, taxation, and especially the 10-year visa policy for experts, managers, employees and relatives. IFC will apply the Common Law, establish specialized tribunals and international arbitration, in order to increase transparency and protect the interests of foreign investors. IFC HCMC Ho Chi Minh City is expected to be launched in December 2025, promising to become a leading center for international capital flows.

Ms. Vuong Van Anh, Senior Director of Strategy and Corporate Development of VinaCapital, presented a presentation at the conference

Ms. Vuong Van Anh, Senior Director of Strategy and Corporate Development of VinaCapital, emphasized that IFC 2.0 aims to attract long-term capital to solve Vietnam’s major challenges such as infrastructure modernization, energy transition and climate change resilience. The three strategic pillars proposed to build IFC 2.0 include: Green Finance Hub; fintech and innovation ecosystem; manage funds and digital assets. She also emphasized the role of AI in capital allocation and risk management, requiring IFC to have a modern, transparent legal framework and digital infrastructure ready for asset digitization.

Mr. Alan Ang, Chairman of the Asian Blockchain Association, shared the strategy “From gray zone to global position” to take advantage of Vietnam’s advantages in the field of digital assets. According to him, Vietnam has the fourth highest cryptocurrency adoption rate in the world, so foreign models should not be copied but must take advantage of their own advantages. To attract international capital, it is important to establish a clear regulatory framework, promote supply chain tokenization, SME financing, and implement digital product passports.

Mr. Alan Ang, Chairman of the Asian Blockchain Association, shared the orientation “From gray areas to global position: Breakthrough digital assets for IFC Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City”

At the conference, two in-depth seminars also took place: The three pillars of financial centers from APEC to Vietnam – governance, capital and banking cooperation; From policy to foundation: building a “Fintech super highway” between Vietnam and Singapore.

Discussing the three pillars of IFC’s strategy, experts and speakers said that flexibility and transparency in governance are considered factors that attract international investment. The opinions proposed the application of the Common Law and the establishment of a specialized court and an International Arbitration Center located at IFC Vietnam. This gives investors confidence that their disputes will be resolved quickly and according to international standards.

Experts and speakers at Session 1: Three pillars of financial centers from APEC to Vietnam – governance, capital and banking cooperation

According to experts, Vietnam is in the top 5 countries heavily affected by climate change, needing more than 300 billion USD in the next 10-15 years to invest in emission reduction programs. IFC HCMC Ho Chi Minh City is expected to become the leading center of APEC’s green capital. In addition, research agencies have advised on the legal framework for green bonds, paving the way for sustainable development and clean energy projects.

In order to build a “Fintech super highway” between Vietnam and Singapore, the speakers said that it is necessary to focus on creating soft infrastructure, institutions, and human resources to bring IFC Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City has made breakthroughs, especially in the field of financial technology (Fintech).

Mr. Le Thanh Minh, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology, and the speakers of Panel Discussion 2: From Policies to Platforms – Building the Vietnam–Singapore “Fintech Superhighway”.

Mr. Le Thanh Minh, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City shared that state agencies have a role in creating a soft platform for the development of IFC. In particular, the Department of Science and Technology will support the promotion of R&D activities in the fields of financial services, especially Blockchain, AI, Big Data, focusing on safety and security and risk management. Regarding the development of high-quality human resources, the Department focuses on cooperating in training and attracting high-quality human resources specializing in AI, Blockchain and Fintech, directly serving the needs of the Financial Center. At the same time, promoting the Fintech startup ecosystem to create a bridge between the innovation community and large financial institutions, creating a continuous flow of ideas and technology applications.

Mr. Le Thanh Minh emphasized the importance of human resources, and affirmed that it is necessary to discuss very carefully how to attract global talent and develop human resources on the spot for IFC. He also suggested the digital transformation campaign and “AI first” of Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City to create safety and control/supervision in the process of forming an International Financial Center.

Ms. Nguyen Thanh Tuyen, CEO of Silver Lion Enterprise Impact, summed up: Human resources are the core factor – without human resources, all preparations will only be on paper. Vietnam needs to learn from successful models, but technology must be put at the center to build a breakthrough IFC model, suitable for market characteristics. The goal is to put IFC Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City into operation with a strategy to develop green finance, digital assets and a commitment to governance reform, affirming the position of Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City is not only a leading economic center but also a “new pulse” of the APEC and global financial ecosystem.

Source: Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City