Article by Đinh Hồng Kỳ, published in Doanh Nhân Sài Gòn on February 23, 2026
Double-digit growth is not merely a GDP story—it is a test of the management system’s capacity for innovation, the vitality of enterprises, and the vision of the entire City. If the spirit of bold action can be reignited and the entire Southern economic region effectively connected, Ho Chi Minh City can fully create a new development cycle.
As the nation’s economic locomotive, Ho Chi Minh City bears great expectations in driving national growth. In 2026, the City has set a target of GRDP growth of 10–11%—a challenging goal that cannot be achieved without strong political determination and sufficiently bold solutions. To realize this objective, six fundamental, structural, and long-term solution groups are essential.
First, restore the spirit of bold action.
Ho Chi Minh City was once the economic engine of the country, but in recent years its momentum has slowed due to procedural bottlenecks and a risk-averse mindset. If double-digit growth is to be achieved, the most important task is to revive the courage to act. The government must play the role of a “market creator,” swiftly removing obstacles related to procedures, land, and investment, rather than managing through excessive control.
Second, identify a few “jet engines” for the economy instead of spreading resources thinly.
Not every sector can be expected to grow rapidly at the same time. The City should focus on areas with strong breakthrough potential such as the digital economy, high technology, international finance, logistics, the creative economy, and high-quality services. When a few growth pillars accelerate, they will pull other sectors along.
Third, unlock the private sector.
In reality, most of Ho Chi Minh City’s growth energy lies in private enterprises. If businesses can gain access to resources such as land, capital, and transparent, fast investment procedures, double-digit growth will not be out of reach. What enterprises need most at this stage is policy stability and long-term confidence.
Fourth, view Ho Chi Minh City as a “regional mega-metropolis,” not an isolated city.
The City’s growth must be linked with Đồng Nai and the entire Southern economic region. Once regional infrastructure connectivity, logistics, and spatial planning are unblocked, economic scale can expand rapidly. A city of 14 million people may struggle to achieve double-digit growth, but a mega-urban region of several tens of millions can.
Fifth, invest strongly in infrastructure and the living environment.
Transport infrastructure, metro systems, ports, logistics, energy, and digital infrastructure will determine growth speed. At the same time, quality of life matters: education, healthcare, the environment, and creative spaces. A city that attracts talent will naturally generate growth.
Sixth, ensure that growth goes hand in hand with green transformation.
If the City follows the old growth path—resource-intensive and polluting—it will soon hit a ceiling. Conversely, by leading in green economy, green materials, green buildings, and clean energy, Ho Chi Minh City can open up entirely new economic sectors.
Double-digit growth is not only about GDP figures; it is a test of governance innovation, business vitality, and the City’s long-term vision. If the spirit of bold action is revived and the entire Southern economic region effectively linked, Ho Chi Minh City can indeed create a new cycle of development.
Author’s credentials:
Chairman of Secoin;
Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Green Business Association;
Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Construction and Building Materials Association;
Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Business Association.
Original article link (Vietnamese):
https://doanhnhansaigon.vn/giai-phap-tang-truong-hai-con-so-cho-tp-hcm-333124.html
