Vietnam sees high growth prospects
While the country has considerable room to sustain high growth, experts warn that both external uncertainties and domestic risks will need to be addressed. Growth momentum strengthened
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Vietnam's GDP expanded 8.18% year-on-year in the first
Vietnam's GDP expanded 8.18% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, with growth drivers relatively broad-based across economic sectors. In the first eight months, industrial production rose 11.9%, with manufacturing and processing up 12.9%.
Retail sales of goods and consumer services increased
Retail sales of goods and consumer services increased 13.3%. Disbursed foreign direct investment (FDI) reached 17.25 billion USD, up 12%, while exports rose 22.4% to 374.84 billion USD and imports increased 35.3% to 395.3 billion USD. By September 3, public investment disbursement had reached 513.3 trillion VND (19.7 billion USD), equivalent to 50.2% of the target assigned by the Prime Minister.
Experts from the Institute of Vietnam and World
Experts from the Institute of Vietnam and World Economy under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences noted the quality of recent growth as the high growth rate has been recorded against an increasingly higher comparative base.
Vietnam's GDP grew 8.02% in 2025, the highest
Vietnam's GDP grew 8.02% in 2025, the highest rate in Southeast Asia. According to a joint report by Bain & Company, DBS and Vriens & Partners, the six largest Southeast Asian economies, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam, averaged 5.1% growth in 2024-2025. Vietnam, however, recorded average growth of 7.5%, compared with 2.7% for Thailand.
On September 23, the Asian Development Bank (ADB)
On September 23, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) raised its forecast for Vietnam's 2026 GDP growth to 7.8%, from 7.2%, and revised its 2027 forecast upward from 7% to 7.6%.
Bain & Company, DBS and Vriens & Partners
Bain & Company, DBS and Vriens & Partners project that the six major Southeast Asian economies will grow by an average 4.8% annually in 2026-2035, with Vietnam continuing to be a leading growth driver.
At a recent workshop, experts from the Institute
At a recent workshop, experts from the Institute of Vietnam and World Economy forecast Vietnam's 2026 growth at around 8.5%, significantly above the latest ADB forecast.
Despite differences in forecasts, analysts point to similar
Despite differences in forecasts, analysts point to similar growth drivers, including manufacturing and processing, domestic consumption, FDI and supportive policies. Domestic experts also highlight the role of public investment, tourism and transport recovery, additional FDI capital for industry, and improved corporate cash flows.
However, the outlook is not without risks. ADB
However, the outlook is not without risks. ADB warns that rising global uncertainty could put pressure on exports, investment, inflation and exchange rates. Greater reliance on investment and credit could also increase risks to liquidity and financial stability, while weaker global demand would directly affect Vietnam's highly trade-dependent economy.
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Vietnam sees high growth prospects
While the country has considerable room to sustain high growth, experts warn that both external uncertainties and domestic risks will need to be addressed.
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Source: Tuoi Tre News