Outline:
Strategic Vision for Ho Chi Minh City’s International Financial Centre
At a recent inauguration ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc emphasized the significance of the Saigon Marina IFC project as a pivotal step in developing Ho Chi Minh City’s International Financial Centre. This initiative is part of a broader effort to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day by launching or inaugurating 80 key projects across the country.
The deputy prime minister highlighted that the Saigon Marina IFC will serve as a new driving force for the Vietnamese economy. It aims to enhance the nation’s integration with international partners by creating a hub for capital, technology, and talent. The financial centre is envisioned to support major financial institutions, banks, and investment funds through a cluster-linked model. It will provide financial and banking services, implement fintech sandboxes, and foster innovation. Additionally, it will host international commodity and derivatives exchanges while developing supply chain, logistics, and seaport services.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, vice chairwoman of HDBank, reflected on the historical significance of the project. She noted that the past and present are coming together to shape the future, connecting the legacy of Ba Son shipyard workers with today’s engineers and experts. This shared vision is driven by a collective belief in building a prosperous Vietnam that reaches out to the global stage.
Architectural and Functional Highlights
The Saigon Marina IFC Tower stands as a remarkable architectural achievement, featuring 55 above-ground storeys and five basement levels. With a total floor area exceeding 106,000 square metres, the tower includes 87,000 sq.m of Grade A office space. The remaining area is allocated for a shopping mall, restaurants, meeting spaces, and premium amenities.
As one of the three tallest towers in Vietnam, the structure is designed to meet LEED Gold standards. It incorporates energy-saving and eco-friendly solutions, with over 30 per cent of its area dedicated to green spaces. An architectural highlight is the full-façade LED system, capable of displaying dynamic artistic light shows. This is complemented by a modern musical fountain square, making the Saigon Marina IFC a beacon of the modern urban economy.
Sustainable and Connected Development
The Saigon Marina IFC is the first project in Vietnam to adopt the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) model. It is directly connected to Ba Son Station on Metro Line 1. The B2 basement of the tower is designed to seamlessly link with the underground station, while the premises also feature exits 4 and 5 from Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien).
This strategic connectivity positions the Saigon Marina IFC as a hub for multinational corporations, financial institutions, Grade A+ offices, international convention centres, consulates, and premium facilities. The tower is developed and operated with consultancy from Keppel Group (Singapore), fostering a vibrant financial-commercial ecosystem in the heart of the city.
Long-Term Strategic Direction
According to Resolution 222/2025/QH15 of the National Assembly, the formation of the International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City is a long-term strategic direction. The goal is to make the city a destination for capital flows and regional financial activities. This initiative reflects Vietnam’s commitment to economic growth, innovation, and global engagement.