AEF 2026: VIFC-HCMC - Connecting global resources with domestic opportunities
WVR - Businesses see the Vietnam International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City (VIFC-HCMC) as a potential bridge between international resources and domestic development needs, from enhancing payment experiences for tourists and mobilising green finance for renewable energy to promoting technology research, development and commercialisation.
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Connectivity at the core
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| Ms. Nguyen Thi Huynh Linh, Chairwoman and Director of Rovela Pay Co., Ltd., speaks to The World and Vietnam Report at AEF 2026. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Ms. Nguyen Thi Huynh Linh, Chairwoman and Director of Rovela Pay Co., Ltd., said she was honoured that the company had been selected as one of the 10 official members of the Vietnam International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City (VIFC-HCMC).
In line with the Centre’s strategy, Rovela Pay is focusing on international tourism while pursuing two key tasks: building, developing and refining its technology platform, and completing its proposal to participate in the Centre’s controlled pilot scheme.
Rovela Pay has set three main objectives: providing international visitors with a convenient, transparent and user-friendly payment experience; improving customer experience and delivering tangible value to Vietnam’s tourism industry; and developing a technology platform built entirely in Vietnam.
Through the platform, international visitors can use cards and accounts issued in their home countries to make payments by scanning QR codes, a widely used payment method in Vietnam. Notably, before confirming a transaction, customers can see the converted amount, exchange rate and applicable fees. According to the Rovela Pay Chairwoman, this gives visitors greater peace of mind and allows them to manage their spending more effectively during their trips.
The company also hopes that the Rovela Pay app will become a preferred choice for international visitors, who will be encouraged to download it before travelling to Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries.
Asked about her expectations for VIFC-HCMC, Ms. Linh identified “connectivity” as the key word. She said this reflected the strategic objectives of both the Centre and the Vietnamese Government: connecting international resources, including investment and infrastructure, with domestic resources and economic stakeholders.
She hopes VIFC will become a meeting point where domestic and international businesses can exchange ideas, learn from one another, develop and create new value for the economy.
Mobilising capital for renewable energy projects
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| Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Nhat Hanh, Director of REE Energy Finance Co., Ltd., shares her expectations for VIFC-HCMC at AEF 2026. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Meanwhile, Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Nhat Hanh, Director of REE Energy Finance Co., Ltd., expects VIFC-HCMC to serve as an important bridge between Vietnamese businesses and international capital markets, particularly financial centres and investment funds interested in green energy.
This could open up opportunities to diversify funding channels and access long-term financing at competitive costs, supporting the company’s investment strategy and the development of renewable energy projects in the years ahead.
To advance this agenda, REE Energy Finance has committed to mobilising US$200 million for investment in renewable energy projects. According to Ms. Nhat Hanh, this funding is intended to support Vietnam’s green transition, strengthen national energy security and contribute to the country’s ambition of achieving double-digit economic growth.
Beyond capital mobilisation, the company also wishes to share with the VIFC-HCMC community its extensive experience in investing in, developing and operating hydropower, solar and wind power projects in Vietnam.
The proposed knowledge-sharing activities will focus on access to finance, project management, risk control and the challenges encountered during implementation.
Ms. Nhat Hanh believes that exchanges of experience among VIFC members will provide a basis for identifying appropriate financial solutions and directing green capital towards projects with strong potential and sustainable returns.
Large corporate ecosystems can provide a launchpad for innovation
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| Mr. Huynh Kim Tuoc, Chairman and CEO of Galaxy Holdings, speaks to The World and Vietnam Report at AEF 2026. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Mr. Huynh Kim Tuoc, Chairman and CEO of Galaxy Holdings, said major corporations such as Sovico could serve as a launchpad for the development of technology, creativity and innovation.
According to him, HDBank provides investment for infrastructure, while Galaxy Holdings takes responsibility for operations and connectivity through the Galaxy Innovation Hub. The hub serves as a platform where businesses can connect, conduct research and develop new technologies.
Mr. Tuoc said Galaxy Innovation Hub had already established partnerships with leading global technology companies, including Google, Huawei and Amazon. He therefore expects VIFC-HCMC to continue connecting Vietnamese businesses and supporting technology development and innovation in the years ahead.
Through these partnerships and networking activities, Galaxy Innovation Hub aims to gradually develop technology products and bring them into practical use. This reflects Mr. Tuoc’s broader view of the role that major corporations and business ecosystems can play in supporting technology development and innovation in Vietnam.
