Hanoi (VNA) – The Germany-based international media group specialising in economic, financial and political coverage of emerging markets IntelliNews on January 11 published its annual Vietnam Outlook report 2026, highlighting prospects for economic growth and what problems lie in store.
The report said Vietnam’s economy delivered impressive results in 2025, continuing the momentum from 2024.
On the political front, 2025 has been marked by a clear commitment to institutional reform and improved governance. The government has emphasised administrative streamlining and decentralisation as part of a broader effort to enhance efficiency and accountability across its localities.
This reform push has been tightly linked to the economic agenda: by removing bureaucratic bottlenecks and accelerating public investment approvals, the state is laying the groundwork for faster decision-making and better public-sector performance - critical for sustaining growth and development.
Geopolitical tensions further complicated the external outlook and contributed to elevated global energy prices, increasing Vietnam’s import bill for fuel and fertilisers. Higher shipping and insurance costs, particularly along disrupted routes tightened margins for exporters and raised costs for imported intermediate goods central to Vietnam’s manufacturing model.
Despite these headwinds, Vietnam benefited from firm regional trade demand, ongoing investment interest in high-tech manufacturing and resilient inflows from Korean, Japanese and Singaporean investors.
Looking ahead, it said Hanoi faces a delicate balancing act. On one hand, it must deliver on the bold economic and infrastructure agenda - sustaining growth, attracting more FDI, and preparing for global economic uncertainties.
Supply chain risks also persist, particularly exposure to US - China trade tensions and global chip-cycle volatility.
Vietnam's 2026 budget presents an assertive fiscal template - one that seeks to reconcile ambitious development goals with a tolerable degree of deficit financing.
A notable emphasis in the 2026 budget lies with science, technology and innovation. This underlines Hanoi’s ambition to pivot away from traditional growth drivers toward a more knowledge- and tech-driven economy, in line with broader structural-transformation goals./.
