Today, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (ICHAM) publishes a new episode of its podcast series, featuring Mr. Davide Carlí, a seasoned technology investor and advisor with over 30 years of experience. Having lived in Shanghai for seven years and now based in Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Carlí was recently appointed Chief Advisor to the Vietnamese National Startup Support Center. In this episode, he highlights Vietnam’s bold initiatives to establish an International Financial Center (IFC) and a National Startup Fund—two strategic projects that could reshape the country’s role in both regional and global markets.
The International Financial Center represents far more than a property development. It is a strategic effort to integrate Vietnam into the global financial ecosystem. Over the past decade, Vietnam has averaged 6–7% GDP growth while attracting record levels of foreign direct investment. The IFC will adopt a dual-city model, with Ho Chi Minh City focusing on institutional and infrastructure funds and Da Nang specializing in innovative technologies such as blockchain and fintech startups. Regulated at the national level, the IFC will feature internationally recognized standards such as English-language usage, common law principles, and international arbitration for dispute resolution, making it an attractive alternative to established hubs in Singapore and Hong Kong.
According to Mr. Carlí, Vietnam will require between 5 and 10 trillion USD in investment over the next 20 years, with 1.5 trillion USD needed within the next five years alone. The IFC’s mission is threefold: to attract international capital through transparent and investor-friendly regulations, to position Vietnam as a gateway linking Asia, the Gulf, and Western markets, and to foster innovation in financial services. Special provisions on capital flows and tax incentives, including potential exemptions on capital gains, are being designed to further strengthen its appeal.
Alongside the IFC, the National Startup Fund is expected to play a pivotal role in fueling domestic innovation. With more than 4,000 active startups in the country, Vietnam’s entrepreneurial sector continues to struggle with limited access to early-stage capital. Scheduled for launch in October, the sovereign-backed fund will operate through multiple verticals such as venture capital, advanced manufacturing, infotech, and international technology investment. Importantly, the fund will not only provide financial support but also mentorship, technical guidance, and international connections, thereby building a stronger ecosystem for startups to expand globally—potentially via the upcoming Vnext securities exchange platform.
Despite the promising outlook, challenges remain. Regulatory alignment, the development of financial and technological talent, and competition from established international financial centers such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and Dubai are significant hurdles. However, as Mr. Carlí emphasized, the next five years will be decisive. If executed successfully, the International Financial Center and the National Startup Fund could transform Vietnam into Asia’s next economic tiger—capable of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with South Korea and Japan.
As part of its mission, ICHAM continues to act as a platform connecting Vietnam’s growth story with the international business community. By publishing conversations with leaders and experts like Mr. Carlí, ICHAM reaffirms its commitment to fostering dialogue, innovation, and investment opportunities between Vietnam and global markets.
Watch the video HERE.
