Central Group plans additional 1 5 billion investment in Vietnam

Central Group, a major retail conglomerate, announced a plan to inject an additional $1.5 billion in investments into Vietnam over the next decade during Vietnam Week in Thailand on September 18, 2026. This strategic move, led by Wallaya Chirathivat, the chairwoman of Central Group, signifies the company's commitment to Vietnam as a top priority market.

Central Group entered the Vietnamese market in 2012 through its retail arm, Central Retail, and has since established a portfolio of retail brands such as GO!, Tops Market, Lan Chi Mart, and Supersports. Currently, the group operates over 300 stores and shopping centers in 26 cities and provinces across the country.

With the proposed additional investment, Central Group's total investment in Vietnam would rise to approximately $3 billion over the coming years. Wallaya attributed this expansion to Vietnam's robust economic growth, a large and increasingly consumption-oriented population, and the potential to extend modern retail formats beyond the major urban centers.

Vietnam's economy is projected to grow at an annual rate of 8-10%, and its population has surpassed 100 million. Consumers are increasingly embracing modern retail formats and are willing to spend through organized retail channels. Additionally, the country's expansive geographical structure, including major growth centers like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang, provides ample opportunities for retail businesses to expand their reach into a broader range of provinces and cities.

Central Group has already invested around $1.5 billion in Vietnam, with plans to further expand into retail, shopping centers, and hospitality sectors. The company has identified approximately 200 potential locations in urban areas for future projects. In hospitality, Central Group operates the 984-room Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne in Lam Dong and is developing two additional hotels in Van Don, Quang Ninh, which are expected to add around 1,000 rooms.

This investment aligns with Vietnam's growing retail market, which was valued at around $269 billion in 2025, according to Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade. The ministry projects that total retail sales of goods and consumer services could reach VND11.5-12.5 quadrillion, equivalent to approximately $450 billion, by 2030, driven by a projected annual growth rate of 10-12%.