Hanoi (VNA) – Thailand’s The Nation newspaper on December 28 published an article noting that Vietnam is rapidly establishing itself as a key economic hub in Southeast Asia, delivering some of ASEAN’s strongest GDP growth as the government pushes industrial reforms, accelerates infrastructure development, and steers the economy towards a greener growth model.
According to the article titled “Vietnam positions itself as a key Southeast Asian economic hub,” Vietnam is currently among the fastest-growing economies in the ASEAN. Citing data from the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam, it said Vietnam’s gross domestic product (GDP) recorded strong quarterly growth in 2025, rising by 6.93% in the first quarter, 7.7% in the second quarter and 8.23% in the third quarter - far outpacing many regional economies.
Overall, GDP expanded by 7.85% in the first nine months of the year, second only to the 9.44% growth recorded in the same period of 2022, reflecting Vietnam’s sustained recovery momentum amid a regional economic slowdown.
The Thai chamber expects Vietnam to remain among the region’s fastest-growing economies over the next five years. It noted that while Thailand is likely to grow at a steadier pace, Vietnam’s economy is forecast to reach a similar size by 2029.
Vietnam is pursuing an annual GDP growth target of 10% from 2026 to 2030 as it aims to achieve high-income status by 2045, the chamber said. GDP per capita is projected to rise from nearly 5,000 USD in 2024 to around 8,500 USD by 2030.
Vietnam’s growth outlook is underpinned by several structural advantages, including a population of more than 100 million, with nearly 70% of working age, competitive labour and energy costs compared with regional peers, and a relatively stable political environment and monetary policy. Beyond short-term advantages, the country is also pursuing a long-term green development strategy, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into Vietnam reached around 38 billion USD in 2024, surpassing Thailand, and are increasingly concentrated in high-tech industries and artificial intelligence. The chamber noted that Vietnam’s development roadmap is anchored in administrative reform, accelerated infrastructure development, improvements in human capital quality, and a shift towards higher value-added industries.
The article also said Vietnam continues to benefit from global supply chain diversification trends thanks to its favourable investment climate and an increasingly prominent role in regional value chains, particularly in high-tech sectors. The Nation concluded that, with its large population, rapidly growing domestic demand, deepening administrative reforms and sustained FDI inflows, Vietnam is steadily emerging as a dynamic economic hub in Southeast Asia./.
