Viet Nam draws strong confidence as a regional leading growth engine

International financial institutions voiced strong optimism for Viet Nam’s growth outlook in 2026, pointing to the country’s robust economic performance in 2025 and sustained reform momentum, which continue to underpin resilience amid global uncertainty.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) highlighted Viet Nam's strong external demand and investment appeal. ADB Country Director for Viet Nam Shantanu Chakraborty noted that exports rose 16.1 percent year-on-year by the end of November last year, while imports increased by 18.4 percent, reflecting robust trade activity. He also highlighted sustained foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, expanding domestic investment backed by expansionary fiscal policies, recovery signals in the real estate sector, and accelerated growth in services—particularly tourism—supported by visa facilitation policies and high-profile national events.

Japan's Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), in its latest outlook, projected Viet Nam's GDP growth could reach 8.2 percent in 2026, supported by stronger-than-expected export performance and solid macroeconomic fundamentals. MUFG said that growth momentum is being reinforced not only by the country's export strength, but also by rising domestic demand, structural reforms, increased public investment, and renewed private-sector confidence—factors that are lifting consumption, production, and overall market sentiment.

HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad also highlighted Viet Nam's expanding reform-led growth model, noting that the country remains among ASEAN's fastest-growing economies despite global trade volatility. According to HSBC, Viet Nam's economic drivers are becoming more diversified, with domestic policy reforms playing a growing role alongside its established export engine. The bank pointed to continued trade resilience, with both exports and imports sustaining growth even as global conditions fluctuate.

OECD Chief Economist Álvaro Pereira described Viet Nam as one of the world's most remarkable development stories, noting its consistent record of doubling per-capita income roughly every decade. He attributed this progress to prudent macroeconomic management, effective policymaking, and strong societal dynamism.

Economic analysts also point to Viet Nam's recent policy initiatives as key to strengthening investor confidence. The Government has eliminated or simplified approximately 4,300 business regulations, signaling a strong commitment to improving transparency and fostering a more investment-friendly environment. Central to this effort is the administration's "three-together" approach — engaging with the business community to listen, understand, and share aspirations — which has underpinned broader efforts to decentralize decision-making and accelerate reforms in sustainable growth, green transition, and digital transformation.

As Viet Nam continues to navigate external headwinds with robust internal drivers, international financiers and institutions increasingly view the country not only as a regional growth leader but also as a compelling long-term investment destination./.