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Ho Chi Minh City's bold plan to dominate Southeast Asia's maritime trade

A historic river city reinvents itself for the 21st century. Can HCM City's ambitious port projects and expanded borders reshape global trade routes?

,   and  ASMedia
1 min read
The image shows a paper with a map of the port of Passage, with text written on it. The map is...
The image shows a paper with a map of the port of Passage, with text written on it. The map is detailed, showing the various bodies of water, islands, and other features of the area. The text on the paper provides additional information about the map, such as the names of the cities and towns along the route.

Ho Chi Minh City's bold plan to dominate Southeast Asia's maritime trade

Ho Chi Minh City is setting its sights on becoming Southeast Asia’s leading maritime hub. With a population of 14 million and a coastline stretching 300km, the city already handles nearly 70% of Vietnam’s containerised trade. Now, a bold master plan aims to transform its waterways into a global gateway for finance and logistics. The city’s ambitions build on a long history tied to the Saigon River. Over 320 years ago, fishing villages along its estuaries grew into the bustling metropolis known today. Modern HCM City now boasts over 1,000km of rivers, a vast continental shelf, and critical infrastructure like the Cai Mep-Thi Vai port complex—a key driver of Vietnam’s deep-sea exports to Western markets.

A strategic merger on 1 July 2025 expanded the city’s reach by absorbing Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau. This consolidation adds cultural depth and economic strength, reinforcing its position as a trade powerhouse. The city is home to more than 90 seaports, half a million businesses, and over 60 universities, providing both manpower and innovation.

Looking ahead, HCM City plans three major ‘spearhead’ projects: an offshore transshipment port in Can Gio, a marine logistics base in Con Dao, and a coastal corridor linking Dong Nai to Can Tho. These developments align with a 2045 master plan for the Saigon River landscape, crafted in collaboration with the Paris Region Planning Institute. The city’s renewed momentum aims to reclaim its legacy as a prosperous river metropolis. By leveraging its extensive waterways and strategic location, HCM City is positioning itself to attract global financial flows. The success of these plans will hinge on turning its maritime infrastructure into a seamless, world-class network.

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