Viet Nam weathers headwinds, builds foundations for new era

On the occasion of the 2026 New Year, Prime Minister Pham granted an interview to the press, reflecting on the country’s socio-economic development results in 2025, achievements during the 2021–2025 tenure, and key tasks for 2026 — the first year of implementing the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress.

Key outcomes in 2025 include GDP growth of 8.02 percent, inflation controlled at 3.31 percent, and record state budget revenue of VND2.65 quadrillion (up 30 percent from 2024 and 34.7 percent above target). Total amount of FDI valued US$38.4 billion with US$27.62 billion of FDI disbursement, the highest to date, bringing five-year FDI to US$184 billion (bringing Viet Nam among Top 15 developing destinations globally). Trade turnover hit US$930 billion, with agricultural exports exceeding US$70 billion for the first time.

Economic quality improved with TFP contributing 47 percent to growth, and Viet Nam ranking 44 among 139 countries on the Global Innovation Index 2025.

Structural shifts continued toward industrialization, while infrastructure saw breakthroughs with 3,345 km of expressways completed (3,803 km including connectors, exceeding targets), 1,711 km of coastal roads, and 564 major infrastructure projects launched or inaugurated, 75 percent funded by the private sector.

Science, technology, AI, and digital transformation advanced strongly, with Viet Nam ranking 2nd in ASEAN in AI investment, 6 out of 40 on the AI Index, mastering the 5G ecosystem with 90 percent population coverage, and leading a 3,900-km ASEAN land-based fibre-optic cable route to enhance network stability and data security.

Social welfare improved markedly in which worker income rose from 5.5 to 8.4 million VND/month, poverty dropped from 4.4 percent to 1.3 percent, 334,000 temporary houses removed ahead of schedule, 102,600 social housing units completed, and 100 border schools built before the 2026–2027 academic year. Viet Nam climbed to 46th on the World Happiness Index 2025, up 37 places.

Entering 2026, the Prime Minister outlined 10 strategic priorities, centerd on institutional reform, streamlined governance, macro stability, a new growth model driven by science and technology, strategic rail and energy infrastructure (including nuclear), high-quality human capital in 11 tech sectors, cultural and welfare development, environmental protection, security assurance, and proactive economic and technology diplomacy.

He expressed gratitude to the Party, citizens, overseas Vietnamese, businesses, and international partners, reaffirming the Government's commitment to national service and enabling Viet Nam's rise in a new era of prosperity and global integration./.