International media outlets have offered positive and optimistic assessments of Vietnam’s economic performance in 2025, highlighting the country’s macroeconomic stability and reform-oriented policies as key foundations for growth.

According to the Department of Grassroots Information and External Information under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, foreign press coverage in December 2025 largely reflected confidence in Vietnam’s development trajectory, citing robust exports, resilient domestic demand and sustained reform efforts.

HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad (Malaysia): Vietnam emerges as ASEAN's fastest-growing economy

In an economic update published on December 11, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) of Japan forecast Vietnam’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 8.2% in 2026, driven by stronger-than-expected export performance and steady expansion of the domestic economy.

MUFG noted that Vietnam’s exports in 2025 rose by nearly 17% year-on-year, while foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows exceeded expectations, increasing by around 10% compared to 2024. Registered FDI capital also recorded a sharp rise.

The report underscored that domestic demand and structural reforms remain critical growth drivers. Accelerated public investment and strengthened private-sector confidence have provided a significant boost to domestic demand, reinforcing overall economic momentum.

Similarly, HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad (Malaysia), in its ASEAN economic outlook released on December 22, assessed that Vietnam’s growth continues to stand out despite global trade uncertainties.

According to HSBC, Vietnam delivered a strong surprise by posting GDP growth of 8.2% in the third quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, once again positioning itself as ASEAN’s fastest-growing economy. The bank attributed this performance not only to Vietnam’s highly regarded export engine but also to decisive domestic reforms.

Vietnam’s resilience in trade was particularly notable, with both exports and imports in the third quarter of 2025 rising by nearly 20% year-on-year. As a result, the trade surplus more than doubled compared to the first half of 2025, indicating sustained surpluses with non-US partners.

Notably, Vietnam’s electronics exports to the US surged by 150% in the third quarter of 2025 year-on-year, lifting total exports to the US by around 30% compared to 2024. The services sector also maintained strong growth, supported by improved retail sales and robust tourism-related activities, as Vietnam continues to gain popularity as a preferred travel destination.

The Asset (Hong Kong): Vietnam retains stability, cost efficiency and strategic appeal

The Asset, a Hong Kong-based financial publication, reported on December 1 that Vietnam has continued to maintain its attractiveness to foreign investors, as reflected in stable operational efficiency and sustained FDI inflows.

The outlet highlighted that Samsung Electronics’ major manufacturing operations in Vietnam recorded stable revenue and profit growth during the first nine months of 2025, contradicting recent international speculation about production relocation.

These financial results reaffirm Vietnam’s strategic importance in Samsung’s global supply chain for both smartphones and consumer electronics, despite concerns over tariff risks, domestic energy supply and global minimum tax regulations.

Samsung currently operates six factories, one research and development centre and one sales entity in Vietnam, making it the country’s largest foreign investor with cumulative investment exceeding USD 23.2 billion. Stable financial performance and continued confidence in local authorities demonstrate that, even amid global economic headwinds, Vietnam remains competitive in terms of cost efficiency, stability and strategic value.

Sustaining growth momentum into 2026

In an interview with the Newspaper of Industry and Trade, Associate Professor Nguyen Ba Minh, senior lecturer and former head of the Institute of Economics at Academy of Finance, said that international assessments of Vietnam’s economy in 2025 were well grounded and closely aligned with domestic realities. According to Minh, macroeconomic stability has been Vietnam’s most important economic foundation in recent years, alongside breakthrough reforms aimed at supporting business development, particularly in administrative procedures.

Regarding the ambitious target of double-digit growth in 2026, Minh said the goal is underpinned by several key pillars. These include accelerated investment, especially public investment, with a series of large-scale projects recently launched. Public investment, which influences around 40 related industries, is expected to generate broad-based growth spillovers.

In addition, Vietnam’s shift towards new growth drivers such as science and technology and digital transformation is expected to support growth above 10% in 2026.

Macroeconomic stability is projected to continue, supported by a balanced policy mix combining fiscal measures, including tax reductions for businesses and prudent public debt management, with accommodative monetary policy. Inflation is expected to remain under control thanks to stable exchange rates and low interest rates. Globally, a weaker US dollar and subdued oil prices are also contributing to favourable inflation conditions.

Export growth remains resilient, with sustained trade surpluses reflecting steady global demand and limited impact from tariff-related policies. These factors are helping strengthen foreign exchange reserves and maintain macroeconomic stability.

Nguyen Ba Minh said Vietnam is well positioned to sustain positive growth momentum in 2026, building on the solid foundations established in 2025 and previous years.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the consumer price index (CPI) rose by approximately 3.29% year-on-year in the first 11 months of 2025. State budget revenue during the same period was estimated at nearly VND 2.4 quadrillion, reaching 121.9% of the annual estimate and increasing by 30.9% year-on-year, with a more sustainable revenue structure.

Budget deficits and public debt remained under control, while energy security and food security were ensured. Growth drivers continued to be reinforced and renewed.

Total registered FDI in the first 11 months reached nearly USD 33.7 billion, up 7.4% year-on-year, while disbursed FDI stood at approximately USD 23.6 billion, an increase of 8.9%. Total import-export turnover was estimated at nearly USD 840 billion, up 17.2%, with a trade surplus of USD 20.53 billion.

Retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue rose by 9.1%, while international arrivals reached 19.15 million, up 20.9% year-on-year. Industrial production also expanded strongly, with the industrial production index (IIP) in November rising 2.3% month-on-month and 10.8% year-on-year; overall, the index increased by 9.3% in the 11 months of 2025.