The 2025 Investment Legal Support Forum: Insights on Infrastructure Development
On November 21, 2025, the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh played host to the Investment Legal Support Forum (ILS Forum 2025), themed “Industrial Zone Infrastructure Development Investment: Legal Updates and Implementation Recommendations.” This significant event, organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) in collaboration with the Vietnam International Arbitration Center (VIAC), attracted a diverse group of industry leaders, legal professionals, and policymakers dedicated to enhancing the investment landscape.
The Importance of Infrastructure Development
Cao Thi Phi Van, Deputy Director of ITPC, opened the forum with insights into the current challenges facing investors and manufacturers in Vietnam. Despite ongoing attempts to develop infrastructure, critical issues such as land access, investment approval procedures, and site clearance remain significant roadblocks. The need for adopting greener, integrated industrial models and implementing effective worker housing solutions were highlighted as pressing concerns.
Economic Growth through Industrial Parks
The discussion took a deeper turn as Prof. Dr. Le Hong Hanh, Chairman of VIAC, underlined the pivotal role of industrial parks and export processing zones as engines of economic growth in Vietnam. Emphasizing Ho Chi Minh City’s advantage after its recent merger, he pointed to the city’s potential for the modernization and expansion of its industrial zones. However, he cautioned that many projects still encounter substantial legal challenges that impede progress.
A Platform for Solutions
The forum aimed to be a catalyst for change by proposing practical recommendations that could alleviate the legal bottlenecks hindering investment. With a focus on fostering a safer and more transparent investment environment, the discussions were geared towards supporting both the investor community and city authorities. The dialogue sought to bridge the gap between legal frameworks and investment realities, ensuring that stakeholders could navigate the complexities of infrastructure investment effectively.
Delving into the Dialogue Sessions
Structured around two core themes, the forum featured two in-depth dialogue sessions. The first session concentrated on investment in technical infrastructure projects within industrial parks. This included critical discussions on how to enhance access to essential services and utilities that are vital for industrial growth.
The second session pivoted toward social infrastructure, particularly in the context of worker housing and social housing within industrial parks. This aspect has gained increasing attention, as the welfare of workers is critical for sustaining productivity and economic growth. Both sessions encouraged participants to share insights and experiences that could lead to actionable strategies.
Addressing Key Challenges
Throughout the event, participants recognized that the transformation of industrial zones hinges not just on physical infrastructure but also on creating a legal environment conducive to investment. The issues of bureaucratic delays and regulatory uncertainty were recurring themes, and stakeholders expressed the need for continuous dialogue to address these problems.
As the forum progressed, the exchange of ideas emphasized collaborative efforts, with local authorities and investors working hand in hand to ensure that legal frameworks evolve alongside the rapidly changing economic landscape.
A Vision for the Future
The ILS Forum 2025 stands as an important milestone in Vietnam’s journey toward improved investment conditions in its industrial sectors. By bringing together key players in the investment sphere, the forum is poised to generate robust discussions that pave the way for a more dynamic and resilient infrastructure development strategy. As Ho Chi Minh City continues to modernize its industrial zones, the insights gleaned from this forum will undoubtedly influence future initiatives aimed at driving economic growth and sustainability.
By Thanh Dung – Translated by Huyen Huong
