The Vietnam International Financial Center (IFC Vietnam) has officially launched at Software Park No. 2, marking a significant milestone for the city's financial ecosystem.

In a move that highlights the synergy between academia and government, Associate Professor Dr. Dang Tung Lam of the University of Danang - University of Economics (UD-DUE) has been appointed Deputy Director of the center’s Executive Agency. He will spearhead the Strategy and General Affairs Division.

The appointment underscores a strengthening partnership between academic institutions and local authorities in implementing nationally oriented financial development initiatives.

Associate Professor Dr. Dang Tung Lam noted that the development roadmap for IFC Vietnam in Da Nang should align with global financial trends, with smart technology and innovation as key pillars. Strategic priorities include green finance, carbon markets, financial technology (fintech), and digital assets.

To advance this vision, Da Nang will need innovative financial mechanisms and an enabling regulatory framework. Issuing green bonds for infrastructure projects could help set market benchmarks, attract private-sector investment, and draw international ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) funds. At the same time, the city should establish transparent evaluation and certification processes for green projects to assure investors that capital is allocated to sustainable growth.

Carbon markets also offer an opportunity for Da Nang to position itself as a regional green finance hub. Establishing robust systems for carbon emissions measurement, reporting, and verification is essential. In addition, digital technologies - particularly blockchain - can support asset traceability and strengthen market confidence.

In digital assets and fintech, Da Nang should consider controlled pilot programs to test models such as asset tokenization, digital payments, and blockchain-based financial and commercial applications. A comprehensive legal framework, clearly defined pilot parameters, and rigorous regulatory oversight will be critical to fostering innovation while managing financial risks.

Regulatory sandboxes should likewise be recognized as essential tools for building a dynamic fintech ecosystem and supporting the city’s ambition to leapfrog in financial innovation. To ensure these mechanisms operate effectively, internationally aligned legal and governance frameworks are indispensable.

Through the active participation of its faculty, UD-DUE not only contributes expertise and policy advisory capacity but also serves as a bridge connecting academia, government, and industry—facilitating meaningful collaboration for sustainable financial development.

UD Media