Global experts pin high hopes on International Financial Centre in Da Nang
DNO - The Viet Nam International Financial Centre in Da Nang (IFC Da Nang) has officially been launched and is now operating in line with international standards, while fully complying with Vietnamese law. It is drawing growing attention from global financial experts.
Building a modern and efficient financial centre
As reported by VNA, according to international observers, IFC Da Nang is expected to strengthen Vietnam’s role in regional and global finance, while opening up new development momentum for Da Nang.
A key international partner is Makara Capital Partners, a Singapore-based financial group with more than two decades of experience in fund management, corporate restructuring and project finance.
The firm has advised on and invested over US$20 billion worldwide, particularly in innovation, infrastructure and energy.
Ali Ijaz Ahmad, the Chief Executive Officer of Makara Capital Partners, said the group remains committed to working closely with the Da Nang government and the IFC Da Nang operating authority to help build a modern, internationally compliant and efficient financial centre aligned with the city’s investment priorities.
Beyond finance, Makara Capital Partners is also exploring cooperation with a leading global university to establish an International Development Centre in Da Nang.
The proposed initiative would focus on multidisciplinary research, attract high-level experts and scientists, and contribute intellectual resources to policy planning and technological advancement.
Makara Capital Partners believes that the combination of IFC Da Nang and the Da Nang Free Trade Zone, together with the city’s high-quality living and working environment, will be a strong magnet for international investors.
Experts view IFC Da Nang as a promising long-term platform capable of delivering inclusive and sustainable growth for the city and the wider region.
Establishing a specialized financial centre
With nearly a decade of experience as a senior adviser at the Qatar Financial Centre and later serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nairobi International Financial Centre, international lawyer Oscar Njuguna has officially taken up his new role as the Director of the Members Board of the IFC Da Nang.
Explaining his decision, Njuguna said he was drawn by the significant growth potential of IFC Da Nang and Vietnam’s broader economic trajectory.
“Vietnam is developing at remarkable speed and is widely recognised for its strong momentum in science and technology, fintech and green finance,” he noted, adding that he was encouraged by the professional and highly motivated operating team already in place at IFC Da Nang.
He also highlighted Da Nang’s established reputation as a leading tourism destination as a strategic advantage.
As a coastal city offering high living standards, Da Nang is well positioned to attract top global experts seeking both professional opportunities and quality of life, an important factor in building a strong talent pool in fintech, green finance and innovation.
Njuguna stressed the importance of developing complementary growth drivers such as the free trade zone, innovation-driven startups, blockchain technologies and digital assets.
He expressed confidence that Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City would work in a complementary manner to realise Vietnam’s vision of a globally competitive financial centre.
In addition, the government’s willingness to allow the application of new technologies, particularly through controlled regulatory sandbox mechanisms, will give investors greater confidence to experiment with innovative ideas and accelerate research and development in science and technology.
These are widely seen as well-judged and forward-looking policy directions by Vietnam.
To build a distinct niche centred on innovation, IFC Da Nang needs to fully leverage the city’s strengths in infrastructure and technology.
Da Nang’s easy accessibility, centrally located international airport, modern facilities, and well-developed transport and telecommunications networks provide a solid foundation for innovation-led growth.
At the same time, Da Nang is rolling out a “one-stop” administrative mechanism, ensuring that procedures related to investment, finance, immigration, entry and exit, and residency for international investors, experts and clients are handled in a centralised and transparent manner.
Fast, efficient and coordinated government support is expected to play a decisive role in safeguarding the long-term, sustainable development of IFC Da Nang and its growing community of stakeholders.