Thai conglomerate Central Group pledges additional $1.5 bn for Vietnam retail and hospitality expansion

Central Group, which entered Vietnam in 2012 through its Central Retail arm, said it will invest an extra $1.5 bn in the country, raising its cumulative commitment to about $3 bn. Wallaya Chirathivat highlighted Vietnam’s strong economic growth and expanding consumer base as drivers for the expansion. The new capital will be directed toward opening additional retail stores and shopping centres, while also financing hotel projects, including two under-construction properties in Van Don that will add roughly 1,000 rooms.

Central Retail Vietnam currently runs more than 300 outlets, such as GO! and Tops Market, and generated over $720.5 mn in revenue in the first half of 2026, accounting for about 20 % of the group’s total sales. Olivier Langlet noted that the firm is assessing roughly 200 potential urban locations for further development.