Vietnam consolidates position as one of Asia’s economic bright spots

International organisations and global media have shared a forecast that Vietnam will remain among the fastest-growing economies in the Asia-Pacific region in 2026, underpinned by stable growth prospects, strengthened macroeconomic fundamentals, and increasingly evident domestic potential.

Sustaining high growth, setting new targets

Vietnam is entering 2026 with an ambitious GDP growth target of around 10%, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said at the 10th session of the 15th National Assembly. The PM underscored that Vietnam’s economy has demonstrated its resilience and capacity to withstand external shocks, maintaining its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing ones.

This message has been widely reported by international media. Reuters cited PM Chinh as noting that Vietnam is aiming for GDP growth of at least 10% in 2026, following an estimated expansion of around 8% in 2025.

Thailand’s The Nation also highlighted Vietnam’s determination to pursue double-digit growth, expand its network of free trade agreements (FTAs), and attract foreign investment to high-tech industries.

In its latest global economic outlook update released on December 2, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) described Vietnam’s economic performance over the past year as relatively robust. Strong end-of-year consumption, stable investment and rising labour demand reflected a solid and sustainable recovery. The OECD expects Vietnam to maintain strong momentum in 2026 2027, signalling confidence in the country’s stable macroeconomic environment and the flexibility of its economic policymaking.

The World Bank Group (WB) has also maintained its projection that Vietnam will sustain strong growth in 2026, reaffirming its role as one of the fastest-growing markets in East Asia and the Pacific.

Similarly, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) predicted that the economy will retain its “resilience” throughout 2025 and 2026, supported by export growth, robust inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI), and the effective expansion of public investment.

According to KPMG’s global report “Vietnam 2026 Outlook: A Defining Moment for Growth”, the country is entering a defining phase of growth, focusing on industrial manufacturing, an expanding consumer market, financial services, energy, and high technology. These sectors are expected to enhance Vietnam’s attractiveness to international investors while fostering sustainable economic growth.

Domestic drivers and the central role of supply chains

International organisations and foreign media have increasingly emphasised domestic strengths as a key driver of Vietnam’s sustainable growth in 2026. Alongside this, FDI continues to flow into technology and large-scale manufacturing sectors, creating jobs and boosting exports.

A factor drawing particular international attention is the steady expansion of domestic consumption and the growing role of the middle class, which is providing strong momentum for the domestic market. This not only reinforces Vietnam’s growth foundations but also enhances its appeal as a destination for strategic international investors.

Global media have also praised the rapid development of Vietnam’s artificial intelligence (AI) market.

According to Germany-based Trade OpPR, the country’s AI market is projected to reach nearly 2.81 billion USD by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.96% during the 2025 2033 period. This growth is driven by accelerating digitalisation, the expansion of e-commerce, supportive government policies, the application of AI to health care and smart city development, and closer cooperation between educational institutions and technology companies.

Overall, next year, Vietnam is expected not only to maintain a high growth rate relative to the region but also to further reinforce its status as one of Asia’s economic bright spots thanks to macroeconomic stability, a dynamic domestic market, and a clear orientation towards attracting strategic investments./.