HCMC seeks more Japanese investment at 2026 promotion conference

On November 12, Ho Chi Minh City and Gunma Prefecture, Japan, bolstered investment ties through the 2026 Japan Investment Promotion Conference. The Investment and Trade Promotion Center of Ho Chi Minh City, in collaboration with Gunma Bank, facilitated meetings between businesses from both sides to explore cooperation in various sectors.

Gunma Bank President Fukai Akihiko revealed that around 60 enterprises from Gunma Prefecture currently operate in Vietnam, many with plans to expand operations and seek new ventures, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. ITPC Deputy Director Cao Thi Phi Van highlighted that the city's expanded space, following its merger with Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau, offers enhanced opportunities for Japanese enterprises.

With a population exceeding 14 million, Ho Chi Minh City contributes about 23.5% to Vietnam's GDP. Its strategic location connects financial hubs, industrial parks, and deep-water seaports, promoting production, logistics, and distribution chains. In the first ten months of 2026, the city attracted US$19.1 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), surpassing its annual target by 73.9%.

Over 22,036 FDI projects are currently registered, with a combined capital of over US$157.4 billion. To attract further investments, Ho Chi Minh City has prepared approximately 250 projects across nine sector groups for the 2026-2030 period, focusing on high technology, supporting industries, transportation, seaports, logistics, and the environment.

These sectors align with the capabilities of Japanese enterprises. At the conference, representatives from Ho Chi Minh City and Gunma Prefecture exchanged potential collaborations in manufacturing, supporting industries, automotive components, food processing, and services. This initiative aims to promote Japanese investment in Vietnam, foster technology transfer, and strengthen domestic enterprises' capacity to participate in global supply chains.