Continued infrastructure development and steady FDI, particularly in electronics, semiconductors and data centres, are expanding Malaysia's productive capacity and underpinning medium-term growth prospects, said the HSBC chief Asia economist.
The 2026 outlook stays broadly favourable, though a mix of risks and opportunities lies ahead.
As Vietnam enters a new phase of growth driven by digital transformation, green transition, and the thriving role of the private sector, effective capital mobilisation is increasingly viewed as a key factor in sustaining and accelerating this development, according to HSBC Vietnam.
Average export growth during January-November hit 28%, with shipments to the US rising over 30%. Much of this impressive expansion stemmed from front-loading of major orders in the second quarter ahead of tariff imposition.
Vietnam has boosted its exports to the US in 2025 despite high tariffs, fueled by supply chain shifts and stronger-than-expected growth in the electronics sector, according to experts from the Hong Kong-Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC).
Vietnamese enterprises are adapting quickly to the shifting global trade landscape by strengthening regional supply chains, diversifying markets, and accelerating the use of AI to enhance operational resilience, according to HSBC’s Global Trade Survey 2.0 released on November 25.
Malaysia's stronger-than-expected performance over the first nine months has laid a firm foundation for the years ahead, giving policymakers and investors greater visibility for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026, analysts said.
With GDP growth surpassing 8% in the third quarter and optimistic projections from HSBC (7.9%) and Standard Chartered (7.5%), the full-year target of 8.5%, previously deemed “ambitious”, now appears increasingly achievable.
Vietnam’s GDP exceeded expectations, growing 8.2% in the third quarter, maintaining its position as the fastest growing economy in ASEAN thanks to trade, tourism and FDI, HSBC experts say.
With new policies and mechanisms being implemented, Vietnam is well-positioned to become an attractive destination for investors and international enterprises, says Tim Evans, CEO of HSBC Vietnam.
An expert from HSBC believe that Vietnam must cultivate a transparent, cooperative, and stable environment to establish an international financial centre (IFC) capable of attracting investment and fostering innovation.
Vietnam is set to gain substantial benefits in the coming decade following strong reforms in its capital market system, according to a HSBC expert, who said the country’s long-awaited stock market upgrade marks a major milestone in its global standing and attracting large-scale investment inflows.
Vietnamese firms are facing steeper cost increases than the global average due to tariffs and trade uncertainty, according to HSBC’s Global Trade Pulse 2025 survey.
The Global Trade Pulse 2025 survey gathered insights from over 5,700 businesses across 13 markets, with revenues ranging from 50 million USD to 2 billion USD, including 250 firms operating in Vietnam.
Speaking at a meeting with representatives from ministries, agencies, international institutions, banks, investment funds and investors in Hanoi, Binh said that the Government of Vietnam is committed to always accompanying businesses, creating the most favourable conditions for enterprises to expand their investment in international financial centres in Vietnam as well as invest in other ecosystems that they are interested in.
According to a September 2024 report from HSBC, Vietnam ranked second among Southeast Asian markets targeted by Chinese investors, only behind Singapore.
HSBC executives, alongside other global business leaders, commended Vietnam’s remarkable economic achievements, commitment to reform, and forward-looking development strategy.
The Vietnamese government is demonstrating a high determination in promoting public investment, focusing on numerous strategic infrastructure projects that connect economic centres. This will serve as an important launching pad for Vietnam to enter a new era – the era of the nation’s rise, according to HSBC.
Vietnam still has significant potential to increase the presence of institutional investors in both markets. As such, the stock market status upgrade is just the first step in attracting these investors.
Vietnam has regained its position as the “growth star” of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said the Hong Kong-Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) when evaluating Vietnam’s economic development in 2024.