VOV.VN - The National Assembly on December 11 approved a resolution on the development of a free trade zone in Ho Chi Minh City, introducing pilot mechanisms to attract investment and position the city as a regional economic hub.

Ho Chi Minh City has readied necessary infrastructure, personnel, and investors for the operation of its International Financial Centre (IFC), slated to be inaugurated on December 19, Dr. Truong Minh Huy Vu, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies (HIDS), has said.

VOV.VN -Vietnam Agribusiness Limited Liability Company (VAL), a joint venture between Bunge and Wilmar, inaugurated its second soybean oil crushing line at Phu My 1 Industrial Park, Phu My Ward, Ho Chi Minh City on December 10.

A ceremony marking the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Cuba (December 2, 1960 –2025) was held on December 9 in Ho Chi Minh City by the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organisations and the Consulate General of Cuba in the southern city.

Ho Chi Minh City’s gross regional domestic product (GRDP) is forecast to expand by approximately 8.03% in 2025, outpacing the national average and reaffirming the city’s role as a leading growth engine for the country.

VOV.VN - The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee has unveiled plans for New Year 2026 celebrations, including fireworks displays across multiple sites in the city.

VOV.VN - Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism on December 5 unveiled a list of 31 friendly tourist destinations for 2025 as part of activities to mark its fifth 5th Tourism Week in 2025.

VOV.VN - Ho Chi Minh City’s Union of Friendship Organisations and the Vietnam–Romania Friendship Association on December 5 held a ceremony to mark Romania’s 107th National Day (December 1, 1918 – 2025) and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Romania (February 3, 1950 – 2025).

The Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Week 2025 and the Shopping Seasons: Binh Duong Mega Sale programme opened on December 3 at the World Trade Centre in Binh Duong ward.

VOV.VN - A fierce fire broke out at an eatery on Tran Hung Dao street in Cau Ong Lanh Ward (former District 1), Ho Chi Minh City, just after 4 a.m. on December 5, killing four people from smoke inhalation, while a young boy was rescued in time.