I. A Strong Economic Foundation (2021-2025)
Vietnam has proven its resilience, maintaining one of the highest growth rates in the world despite global headwinds.
Macroeconomic Milestones
- GDP Surge: The economy is projected to grow by over 8% in 2025. The average growth for the 2021-2025 period stands at 6.3%, outpacing the previous five-year term.
- Economic Weight: By the end of 2025, Vietnam’s economy is estimated to be worth $510 billion, ranking 32nd globally and 4th in ASEAN.
- Rising Incomes: GDP per capita is expected to hit $5,000, a 1.4-fold increase since 2020. This milestone officially vaults Vietnam into the "upper-middle-income" bracket.
- Financial Health: Public debt has been slashed from 44.3% of GDP (2020) to a safe zone of 35-36%. In a major win for investors, FTSE Russell upgraded Vietnam’s stock market status from "Frontier" to "Secondary Emerging" in October 2025.
A Magnet for Global Trade and Capital
- Foreign Investment (FDI): Vietnam remains a top destination for global capital, attracting an estimated $185 billion over the last five years (a 9% increase). It is now ranked among the top 15 developing nations for FDI attraction.
- Trade Powerhouse: Trade volume has exploded from $545 billion in 2020 to a record-breaking $900 billion (estimated) in 2025, placing Vietnam in the world’s top 20 trading nations.
- Infrastructure Boom: Public investment has jumped by 55%, pouring money into critical projects like the Long Thanh International Airport and over 3,200 km of expressways.
Social Progress The economic boom has lifted lives. The multidimensional poverty rate has dropped to just 1.3%, and the countryhas completed its goal of eradicating temporary and dilapidated housing fiveyears ahead of schedule.
II. The "Dream Big" Strategy (2026-2030)
Vietnam is no longer content with just participating in the global economy; it wants tolead. The government is shifting its strategy from broad integration to"pioneering" in new fields like green energy and digital technology.
The 2030 Vision According to draft documents for the upcoming National Party Congress, the strategic goal is clear: To become adeveloping nation with modern industry and high income by 2030.
- Ambitious Targets: For the 2026-2030 period, Vietnam is targeting an average annual GDP growth rate of 10% or higher.
- Wealth Goal: By 2030, GDP per capita is targeted to reach approximately $8,500.
Action Plan To achieve the immediate target of >8% growth for 2025, the government is pushing for a Q4 growth rate of over 8.4%. The focus is on attracting high-tech FDI that brings technology transfer, while simultaneously boosting the digital, green, and circular economies.
International Confidence The boldness of Vietnam’s vision has impresse dinternational observers.
"If there is any country that dares to make such declarations [Net Zero by 2050, 8%growth], it is Vietnam," said Bruno Jaspert,Chairman of EuroCham, expressing admiration for the nation's aspirational spirit.
III.Three Pillars of the Future
PrimeMinister Pham Minh Chinh asserts that the country can no longer accept "average growth." Instead, Vietnam must achieve strategic breakthroughs based on three core pillars:
1. HumanCapital: Relying on the strength, intellect, and spirit of theVietnamese people.
2. Heritage: Leveraging natural resources and historical-cultural traditions.
3. Innovation: Prioritizing science, technology, and digital transformation.
Concluding his message, the Prime Minister called for unity among the government, businesses, and the people, supported by international friends. His directive for the new era is simple and uncompromising: "We only discuss how to do it, we do not discuss backing down."