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According to Mai, the wave of foreign investment continues to be strengthened by traditional giants like Samsung, LG, Sumitomo and Mitsubishi, as well as emerging high-tech corporations such as Microsoft and Nvidia, with large-scale projects worth billions of US dollars. Aside from the increase in the number and value of FDI projects, new capital flows into Vietnam are also expected to have high technological content, contributing to the transformation of the country’s growth model.

The list released on April 17 encourages investment in projects that align with the development direction and tasks of Ho Chi Minh City towards 2030 as outlined in Resolution No. 31-NQ/TW. The list prioritises investment in high technology, innovation, digital economy, sharing economy, green economy, circular economy; and encourages investment in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and fisheries; industry; trade and services; and tourism.

The index stands at 72.7, down 7.3 points from its recent peak of 80.0 in the fourth quarter of 2025, reflecting a more cautious outlook amid rising geopolitical tensions. Yet, the index remains well above levels recorded over the past four years, reinforcing a consistent message emerging from the data: while global turbulence is influencing short-term sentiment, Vietnam’s long-term appeal remains firmly intact.

According to Dragon Capital, Vietnam’s growth momentum strengthened in March following Lunar New Year normalisation, reinforcing confidence that the expansion remained firmly intact through the first quarter of 2026. GDP grew 7.8 per cent on-year in the first quarter, with industry and construction rising 8.9 per cent and services 8.2 per cent, highlighting that growth is not solely reliant on exports and manufacturing, but is increasingly supported by services and domestic demand.

Vietnamese small businesses posted the strongest performance among 11 Asia Pacific markets in 2025, with 84% reporting growth, up from 82% a year earlier, according to CPA Australia’s small business survey. This momentum is forecast to continue in 2026 with 89% of small businesses expecting to grow on the back of a strong focus on technology, e-commerce, and improved business management.

Vietnam’s imports from China in the first quarter of 2026 surged a staggering 31.6% year-on-year to more than US$50 billion, accounting for around 40% of the country’s total imports, customs data showed. The increase was driven largely by technology goods and industrial equipment. Imports of computers, electronics and components jumped 62.2% to US$16.77 billion, while machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts rose 25% to US$9.72 billion.

Nguyen Thanh Nghi, who is also Secretary of the Party Central Committee, was speaking at a national hybrid conference on April 13 as he presented the key contents of the resolution adopted at the second plenum of the 14th Party Central Committee on Vietnam’s socio-economic development plan, national financial strategy, public debt management, and medium-term public investment for 2026-2030.

Growth is projected at 7.2% in 2026 and 7% in 2027, remaining above 7% despite global risks, the Asian Development Bank reported. The forecast, published in the April 2026 Asian Development Outlook on April 10, is lower than the estimated 8% expansion in 2025 but reflects resilience to external shocks. ADB attributed the outlook to steady exports, especially ahead of potential U.S. tariff adjustments, along with stable domestic policies and continued investment.