A series of socio-economic targets for 2026 has been approved by the National Assembly, including GDP growth of at least 10%; GDP per capita of 5,400-5,500 USD, consumer price index hike of around 4.5%, and labor productivity gains of about 8.5%.
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With 2025 on track for around 8% growth, Vietnam has solid momentum heading into the new year. |
These present considerable hurdles, yet the Government remains committed. The Ministry of Finance is putting the finishing touches on draft Resolution 01, which lays out an initial roadmap to hit these numbers. Breakdowns show agro-forestry-fisheries should grow about 4%, while industry and construction power ahead with nearly 12%.
Total social investment is projected at nearly 4.93 quadrillion VND (189 billion USD), up 18.7% from the prior year and equivalent to 33-33.7% of GDP. Exports are expected to rise about 8%, delivering a trade surplus of around 28 billion USD, while retail sales of goods and services could climb 11%, with a stretch target of 12%.
It's not just the Government setting the pace, localities are crafting their own gross regional domestic product (GRDP) plans. Powerhouses like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Da Nang, and Dong Nai are all chasing double-digit gains.
Even in less affluent localities, ambition runs high. Son La, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Vinh Long, Dong Thap, and Ca Mau provinces aren't pursuing double digits but still targeting 8% or better GRDP growth.
Economic momentum builds up
With 2025 on track for around 8% growth, Vietnam has solid momentum heading into the new year.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) just boosted its forecasts for the region in its latest report, crediting resilient export demand even amid US tariff concerns. Vietnam scored the biggest upward revision of any member economy, as the ADB observed that the actual impact of tariffs has been less severe than anticipated.
While the ADB flags risks stemming from U.S. trade policies, Vietnam's pro-active reforms have drawn praise. Looking ahead, multiple growth accelerators are lining up for 2026: the official opening of the International Financial Center, plus the simultaneous launch and ground-breaking of 234 major national projects carrying over 3.4 quadrillion VND in total investment.
To drive growth, Deputy Minister of Finance Do Thanh Trung noted that the National Assembly has outlined 11 key task groups and solutions. The Government instructed relevant agencies to break these down into concrete, actionable plans under the forthcoming Resolution 01.
Core focuses encompass accelerating institutional reforms for greater transparency, consistency and equity in investment and business rules to unlock productive forces and pool resources; turning institutional reform into the “breakthrough of breakthroughs” and a national competitive advantage; continuing to prioritize growth while safeguarding macroeconomic stability, controlling inflation and maintaining major economic balances; advancing a new growth model and economic restructuring, and ensuring timely delivery of strategic and critical infrastructure projects.
Source: VNA