In the first eight months of 2026, Hue City recorded positive economic results, led by strong tourism growth. Industrial production and exports also maintained their upward momentum. However, public investment disbursement remained a key challenge that the city needs to address in the final months of the year.
On August 26, the Hue City People’s Committee held its regular August 2026 meeting. The meeting reviewed the city’s socio-economic performance and discussed key tasks for the remaining months of the year.
According to the Hue City Department of Finance, Hue welcomed an estimated 5.82 million visitors in the first eight months, up 26.4% year on year. International visitors reached nearly 1.76 million, an increase of 35.1%. Meanwhile, tourism revenue reached an estimated VND 13,790 billion, up approximately 60%.
These figures highlight the strong momentum of Hue tourism in 2026. The city also recorded growth in commercial activity. Total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue reached an estimated VND 50,955 billion, up 18.9%. Exports reached approximately USD 1.15 billion, up 16.8% year on year.
Industrial production also remained an important contributor to economic growth. The Industrial Production Index (IIP) increased by an estimated 10.3% in the first eight months. Manufacturing and processing grew by 14.3%.
Several key products recorded strong growth. Cement production increased by 26.2%, alcoholic beverages by 18.8%, automobiles by 17.7%, gloves by 18.7%, and wood chips by 19.2%.
Total realized investment in the city reached an estimated VND 25,478 billion during the first eight months. This represented a 15.1% increase from the same period last year. The figure reflects continued expansion in investment activity and the business sector.
At the same time, Hue City still faces several challenges. Public investment disbursement remains one of the main bottlenecks.
According to La Phuc Thanh, Director of the Hue City Department of Finance, the city has resolved difficulties and obstacles for 168 out of 177 projects. This represents a completion rate of 95%. These projects include 59 non-budget-funded projects and 109 public investment projects.
However, by August 21, the city had disbursed more than VND 2,351 billion. This represented 37.6% of the VND 6,257 billion public investment plan assigned by the Prime Minister.
Therefore, the city identified public investment disbursement as a key priority for the final months of the year. Other priorities include land clearance, investment procedures, and accelerating projects that can create new growth capacity.
Hue City aims to collect VND 17,600 billion in state budget revenue in 2026. This target represents a 10% increase from the budget estimate.
To generate additional revenue, the city will accelerate procedures for projects that can generate land-use revenue. It will also reduce regular spending and allocate more resources to social welfare and key infrastructure projects.
Speaking at the meeting, Hue City People’s Committee Chairman Le Tri Thanh asked departments, agencies, and local authorities to review all assigned tasks. He also called for clear identification of obstacles, causes of delays, and responsibilities so that the city can address them effectively.
The city emphasized the principle of “addressing each obstacle where it occurs.” At the same time, each solution must come with clear responsibility for the relevant agency or organization.
Hue’s leadership also called for a review of licensed projects, especially unfinished and delayed developments. The city will promote projects at Chan May Port, address infrastructure issues in industrial parks, and accelerate public investment disbursement. Land clearance remains a particular priority.
For land clearance, the city will strengthen its workforce and reorganize the Land Fund Development Center. It will also accelerate the development of a land database, determine land prices, and auction eligible land funds to generate additional revenue.
For public investment, project management boards and investors must review completed work volumes and finalize procedures with the State Treasury. These measures aim to improve the disbursement rate. They will also address outstanding work that could be affected by the rainy and stormy season.
The city will also urgently address planning issues and standardize procedures for investors. In addition, it will strengthen construction material management, publish selling prices, and control unreasonable price increases.
Reference: VnEconomy
