Vietnam’s economy 39 years after national reunification

Vietnam's economy has expanded 7.8 times since the country regained national independence in 1975.
The Vietnamese economy has expanded 7.8 times since the country regainednational independence in 1975, the Government news portal reported.

The economy posted a continuous growth since 1981 and the GDP per capita increased from 86 USD in 1980s to 1,899 USD in 2013.

Vietnam shifted from centrally-planned to market-based economy and has increasingly integrated into the global community.

Investorsfrom 90 countries and territories have poured some 270 billion USD andthe disbursed volume reached 114 billion USD. The FDI sector accountsfor around 45% of Vietnam’s industrial production value and 20% GDP.

Internationalfriends have pledged to grant some 81 billion USD in officialdevelopment assistance to Vietnam and over half of the total figure hasbeen disbursed.

At present, Vietnam has set up trade relationswith around 200 countries and territories with the aggregate trade valueamounting to over 264 billion USD.

The economy, however, isfacing a number of big challenges, especially in terms of growthquality, investment efficiency, and productivity, the news portal added.-VNA

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Toy production at a Hong Kong-invested factory (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam targets deeper market penetration in Hong Kong in 2026

Vietnam-Hong Kong trade hit 62.3 billion USD in the first 11 months of 2025, soaring 73.1% annually. Vietnamese exports to Hong Kong amounted to 36.8 billion USD, a 90.6% hike, ranking fourth among Hong Kong’s import sources, while imports from Hong Kong stood at 25.5 billion USD, up 52.9% and ranking third.

Vietnam’s start-up market enters restructuring phase

Vietnam’s start-up market enters restructuring phase

In 2026, venture capital inflows into Vietnam’s start-up ecosystem are expected to recover gradually, though in a more selective manner. VinVentures forecasts that capital will focus on start-ups that have survived the rigorous screening of 2024–2025, possess clear business models, strong commercialisation capacity, and the ability to generate real cash flows.

Workers process tra (pangasius) for export (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam–Singapore trade continues to thrive

For the year as a whole, Vietnam retained its position as Singapore’s 10th largest trading partner. Bilateral trade reached a record high of nearly 40 billion SGD, up 26.2% from the previous peak of 31.67 billion SGD recorded in 2024.

Eric Van Vaerenbergh, an energy expert and lecturer at the Brussels Engineering School (ECAM) (Photo: VNA)

Belgian expert optimistic about Vietnam’s economic outlook

Vietnam should move from a growth model based mainly on expanding capital and labour to one driven by productivity improvements. He said that this requires enhancing the quality of the workforce, particularly engineers, technicians, and managers in industrial sectors.

Workers at the VSIP Hai Phong industrial and urban complex, which specialises in producing electronic components for office equipment. (Photo: VNA)

Roadmap aims to improve business climate and boost competitiveness

By the end of 2026, Vietnam aims to rank among the world’s top 50 performers in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, advance at least three places in the International Property Rights Index, and climb at least one position in the Global Innovation Index.

Vietnam is strengthening its position in the technology value chain, becoming a major manufacturing hub for complete consumer electronics products. (Photo: VNA)

ESG standards offer opportunities to reposition Vietnam’s electronics firms

The 2025-2027 period will be a critical turning point, as exporters to the European market will be required to strictly comply with ESG standards, including net-zero emissions roadmaps, labour standards, corporate governance and transparency requirements. As a key export sector, the electronics industry is being directly and strongly affected by this shift.

A production line for camera modules and electronic components at the factory of MCNEX VINA Co. Ltd, a Republic of Korean-invested company in Phuc Son Industrial Park, Ninh Binh province. (Photo: VNA)

Science, technology, innovation as engines of economic growth

To ensure that science and technology truly act as a powerful growth engine, experts emphasised the need for the Government to put in place supportive mechanisms and policies that encourage enterprises to invest in research and development, while strengthening cooperation among the State, research institutions and the business sector.