The report said the strong momentum provides a solid basis for Viet Nam to achieve its growth target for the whole year, even as the global economy continues to face geopolitical and trade challenges.

At the launch event for the World Bank’s Viet Nam Economic Update.

Sacha Dray, WB economist for Viet Nam, said Viet Nam is currently the fastest-growing economy in the region, outpacing countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Exports have been the main driver, spurring manufacturing, logistics and transport services, he noted.

The WB projects Viet Nam's GDP growth at 6.6% in 2025, before easing to 6.1% in 2026 and rebounding to 6.5% in 2027. As an export-oriented economy, Viet Nam remains vulnerable to slower global growth and softening demand from major trading partners.

Trade policy uncertainties may also begin to weigh on business and consumer confidence. Despite challenges, Viet Nam remains appealing as a competitive manufacturing base.

WB Division Director for Viet Nam, Cambodia, and Laos Mariam J. Sherman noted that with low public debt, Viet Nam has ample fiscal headroom to respond to external uncertainties.

To sustain growth and mitigate risks, the WB recommended Viet Nam to continue scaling up public investment, ensuring strict oversight of financial-sector risks, and accelerating structural reforms.

The special focus of this edition, titled "Nurturing Viet Nam’s High‑Tech Talents” highlights the need to build a skilled talent base that can support and accelerate the country’s innovation ecosystem and its goal of high‑income status by 2045.

According to the WB, Viet Nam will require not only a broad and growing pipeline of young STEM graduates, but also a stronger core of experts who lead research, run laboratories, and turn ideas into market-ready products.

The report highlights the potential to raise public and private R&D spending in Viet Nam, complementing broader business enabling reforms. Total R&D spending in Viet Nam remains lower than more developed regional peers.

There is scope to increase PhD-level faculty to grow the pipeline of advanced-degree graduates and high-caliber researchers. Strengthening university–industry-government linkages could catalyse the development of a work-ready workforce and promote technology transfer and knowledge spillovers.

Taking Stock – Viet Nam Economic Update is the World Bank’s biannual economic report series on Viet Nam, providing insights into the country’s economic outlook and strategies for growth.

Exports: A journey of Vietnam’s position growth, affirmation

From the difficult years of wartime, when exports were limited to a handful of basic goods, Vietnam has grown into a major trading nation in the region and one of the world’s leading export-driven economies, with total trade turnover approaching 800 billion USD.

 

Bac Ninh launches major projects to boost economic growth

BAC NINH - With its strategic location as the northern gateway to the capital Hanoi, Bac Ninh province is accelerating large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects aimed at driving investment and strengthening regional connectivity. From a new international airport to industrial parks and expressways, the northern province is seeking to create momentum for what officials call an economic “take-off.”

Ha Noi tourism poised for growth during National Day holiday

Ha Noi is at the centre of a series of activities marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19, 1945 – August 19, 2025), the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (September 2, 1945 – September 2, 2025), and the 71st anniversary of the Capital’s Liberation (October 10, 1954 – October 10, 2025).

 

Vietnam’s tallest skyscrapers: spelling out growth and ambition

Vietnam’s six tallest skyscrapers showcase its economic status, with two of them ranking among the 10 tallest in Southeast Asia.

Bac Ninh targets economic growth of at least 11.5% in 2025

BAC NINH – The People’s Committee of Bac Ninh province held its August regular meeting on August 20, chaired by Vuong Quoc Tuan, alternate member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, and Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee (PPC).

Key projects to drive Bac Ninh growth

BAC NINH - In celebration of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19, 1945 – 2025) and the National Day (September 2, 1945 – 2025), the Government on August 19 inaugurated and broke ground on a series of major national projects, including several located in Bac Ninh province. These projects are expected to become major driving forces for the province’s robust development in the years ahead.