Ho Chi Minh City to pilot outlet center development

Ho Chi Minh City has been selected as a pilot location for the development of outlet centers in Vietnam. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has submitted a proposal to the Prime Minister for a development scheme covering the 2026–2030 period, with a vision toward 2045.

Proposed models include luxury outlet villages designed as shopping-tourism destinations, urban or peri-urban outlet centers, and integrated outlet models. Strategic locations for these centers may include areas along the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay expressway and sites near the Long Thanh International Airport to capture international tourist traffic.

Le Hong Thuy Tien, CEO of Indochina Plaza Retail (IPPG), noted that while Vietnam is a major global manufacturing hub for textiles, footwear, and accessories, domestic consumers and tourists often travel to cities like Singapore, Bangkok, or Seoul to purchase ‘Made in Vietnam’ products at outlet prices. She emphasized that for the premium outlet model to succeed, the government must address legal bottlenecks, promotional policies, and tax refund mechanisms.