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| Handling cargo at Tan Vu port in Hai Phong city__Photo: VNA |
Vietnam’s economy surged in the first half of 2025, clocking decade-high growth of 7.52 percent, outpacing global forecasts and cementing its status as a standout performer amid a turbulent global landscape.
The stellar result prompted upward revisions from international forecasters. The ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office boosted its 2025 projection to 7 percent, positioning Vietnam as a potential growth leader in the region. Singapore’s UOB Bank also raised its estimate from 6 percent to 6.9 percent, citing a clear rebound in manufacturing and trade.
More cautious voices, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), and Standard Chartered, still praised Vietnam’s solid macroeconomic fundamentals and resilience against global headwinds. The ADB’s July 2025 report flagged trade and investment as key growth drivers, with accelerated public investment disbursement in the first half providing a critical boost.
Exports were a major bright spot, with turnover hitting USD 219 billion in the first six months, up over 14 percent year-on-year. This fuelled a trade surplus, shoring up foreign exchange reserves and stabilizing the exchange rates.
Foreign investors remain bullish, drawn by Vietnam’s geopolitical edge, agile production capabilities, and improving business climate.
A mid-2025 survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AmCham) showed 61 percent of firms maintaining or increasing hiring, while 52 percent reported year-on-year revenue growth. Manufacturers, logistics providers, and technology firms, in particular, benefited from a shift in global orders toward Vietnam.
European businesses echoed this optimism, with nearly three-quarters of respondents in the European Chamber of Commerce (EuroCham)’s second-quarter 2025 Business Confidence Index survey recommending Vietnam as a strategic investment destination, even as global trade tensions simmer.
International bodies urged Vietnam to sustain macroeconomic stability and push institutional reforms to keep the recovery momentum. Inflation, held below 4 percent for 11 straight months, has preserved monetary policy flexibility. Faster public investment, streamlined bureaucracy, and greater business transparency are seen as critical for long-term growth.
A sectoral split is evident: tech manufacturing, logistics, and export services powered ahead, while professional services, education, and real estate trailed, signaling a shift toward innovative and adaptive industries.
Overall, Vietnam is well-placed to lead ASEAN+3 growth this year, provided the Government and businesses stay focused on efficiency and sustainable development.- (VNA/VLLF)
