VIETNAM’S GDP GROWTH OF 8.02% IN 2025 HAILED AS ASIA’S BRIGHT SPOT

High-rise buildings are seen in HCMC - PHOTO: DAT THANH

HCMC – Vietnam’s gross domestic product (GDP) expanded 8.02% in 2025, prompting major international media outlets to describe the country as one of Asia’s standout performers amid ongoing global trade uncertainties.

Following the National Statistics Office’s announcement, Nikkei Asia, The Diplomat and the Associated Press highlighted Vietnam’s strong economic resilience despite headwinds such as high U.S. tariffs and volatile global trade conditions.

According to Nikkei Asia, the 8.02% growth rate was the fastest in three years and among the highest Vietnam has recorded in the past 15 years. Growth was broad-based, with industry and construction rising 8.95% and services increasing 8.62%. In the fourth quarter of 2025, GDP grew 8.46% year-on-year, the strongest Q4 expansion since 2011.

Nikkei Asia said the performance underscored Vietnam’s ability to withstand external shocks, even as global trade turned uncertain.

In its assessment of Vietnam’s 2025 economy, The Diplomat noted that growth remained impressive despite the U.S. administration imposing a 20% tariff on Vietnamese goods from August 2025. Vietnam’s exports to the U.S. continued to rise, underscoring its role in global supply chains.

Citing official figures, The Diplomat reported that Vietnam’s total export turnover reached around US$475 billion in 2025, up 17% from the previous year. Vietnam remains a key manufacturing hub for electronics, textiles, footwear and consumer goods, hosting major production facilities of multinational groups such as Samsung, Apple and Nike.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) continued to be a key growth driver. Nikkei Asia said disbursed FDI hit about US$27.62 billion in 2025, up 9% year-on-year and a record high, while new investment commitments remained steady, reflecting sustained investor confidence.

The Associated Press, reporting from Bac Ninh Province, described Vietnam as one of the region’s most attractive destinations for foreign investors. The growing presence of FDI firms has helped position Vietnam as a new manufacturing hub in Asia, reinforcing ambitions to become a new regional economic “tiger.”

AP also noted that the Government is accelerating public investment and infrastructure development to support long-term growth. The rollout of 234 major projects with total capital exceeding US$129 billion is expected to improve infrastructure capacity, reduce logistics costs and attract high-tech investment.

Looking ahead, international media said Vietnam will continue to face challenges from external risks, including global trade uncertainty and regional competition for investment. However, efforts to streamline procedures, expand infrastructure and diversify export markets.

Vietnam has set an annual growth target of at least 10% for the 2026–2030 period, and international observers say the country has strong foundations to remain among the fastest-growing economies in the region.

Source: The Saigon Times