The growth reflecting a clear recovery in production and business activities despite ongoing challenges.

Central Nghe An province is estimated to record GRDP growth of 8.44% in 2025, supported by fourth-quarter growth of 8.05%, reflecting a clear recovery in production and business activities despite ongoing challenges, according to provincial authorities.

In the industrial sector, the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is projected to increase by 16.47% year-on-year. Most key industrial products posted strong growth, including construction stone mining, sugar, cement, electricity generation and electronic components.

Trade and services continued their upward momentum, with total retail sales of consumer goods for the year forecast to exceed VND135.1 trillion ($5.13 billion), up 13.82% compared with 2024.

Exports emerged as a major highlight, with total export turnover estimated at more than $4.5 billion, representing a sharp year-on-year increase of 42.6%.

In terms of investment attraction, as of December 26, Nghe An secured over VND40.8 trillion ($1.55 billion), including more than $1 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI). With these results, the province remains among the country’s top 10 localities for FDI attraction.

VnEconomy-Nguyễn Thuấn

The capital's 2025 GRDP growing by 8.16%.

Hanoi is determined to achieve gross regional domestic product (GRDP) growth of more than 11% in 2026, according to Mr. Nguyen Duy Ngoc, Politburo member and Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee.

He made the statement while addressing a conference held on December 29 to review the city’s socio-economic development in 2025 and outline tasks for 2026.

To meet the target, Hanoi has identified science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation as key breakthrough areas, while accelerating the development of strategic infrastructure, particularly urban transport, including railway systems.

The city plans to complete more than 100 kilometres of urban railways, expand its metro network, develop a green public transport system, and continue implementing major infrastructure projects.

In 2025, Hanoi fulfilled all 24 socio-economic targets, with many exceeding initial plans, and  GRDP growing  by 8.16%.

VnEconomy-Tuấn Khang

The North-South high-speed railway is planned to span approximately 1,541 km from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City with a design speed of 350 km/h.

Construction of the North–South high-speed railway project - the first high-speed railway in Vietnam - is expected to kick off by the end of 2026, as instructed by the Minister of Construction.

The timeline was outlined in a conclusion notice issued by Construction Minister Tran Hong Minh following a recent review meeting on the North–South high-speed railway and Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong railway projects.

He asked relevant agencies to urgently complete reports on special policy mechanisms, investment models and investor selection criteria, and work with project owners to develop a detailed implementation timeline to ensure construction begins as planned, including the early application of special mechanisms to select consultants for the feasibility study.

He noted that land clearance was the decisive factor for meeting the construction schedule, calling for the full handover of the route’s centreline, boundary markers and land acquisition scope to local authorities once legal requirements are met.

The projected double-track railway is planned to span approximately 1,541 km from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, with a design speed of 350 km/h and an axle load of 22.5 tons.

The project will include 23 passenger stations and 5 freight stations, along with investment in vehicles and equipment for passenger transport. 

It requires an estimated investment capital of some $58.71 billion.

VnEconomy-Tuấn Khang

Nearly 3,000 projects nationwide remain stalled.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has requested relevant ministries, agencies and localities to urgently review and propose solutions to tackle difficulties facing stalled projects nationwide.

He made the instruction on December 30 while chairing a national conference to roll out National Assembly resolutions aimed at removing bottlenecks facing stalled projects and land-related issues identified through inspections, audits and court rulings, along with accelerating the implementation of national target programs.

Nearly 3,000 projects nationwide remain stalled, involving more than 153,000 hectares of land and total investment capital of about VND2.46 quadrillion ($93.5 billion).

The PM underlined that removing obstacles is complex and must be approached pragmatically, “learning while doing, expanding step by step, without perfectionism or hesitation”. 

VnEconomy-Minh Kiệt

Brazil emerges as the most successful market for Vietnam's tra fish industry, recording year-on-year growth of 35%.

Vietnam’s tra fish (Pangasius) exports are forecast to reach nearly $2.2 billion in 2025, heard a conference reviewing the sector’s performance in 2025 and outlining key tasks for 2026, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

Brazil emerged as the most successful market for Vietnam's tra fish industry in 2025, recording year-on-year growth of 35% and accounting for 8% of Vietnam's total market share, according to Ms. To Thi Tuong Lan, Deputy General Secretary of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

China remained the sector’s main pillar market, although growth fell short of expectations, with a market share of around 27% and growth of approximately 2.3% year-on-year.

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) market, comprising 11 member countries, accounted for 17% of the exports, reaching $340 million, up 37%. The US accounted for 15% of the exports, down 3.3%, while the EU held a share of around 8%, a level that has remained relatively stable over the past three years.

Tra fish output in 2025 is estimated at around 1.67 million tons.

Vietnam News Agency-

Total investment capital estimated at over VND2.3 trillion ($87.4 million).

A ceremony was held on December 29 in the Van Don Special Economic Zone of northern Quang Ninh province to inaugurate, break ground for, and technically open 15 key projects with a combined investment of more than VND2.3 trillion ($87.4 million).

The projects span transport, urban infrastructure, trade and services, and environmental development. Several involve large capital outlays and are expected to serve as major drivers of local economic growth.

Among them is a bridge spanning the Mang River to connect Minh Chau, Quan Lan and Ban Sen islands. The bridge will be 967.4 m long and 12 m wide, with total investment capital exceeding VND600 billion ($22.8 million). Construction is scheduled to take 20 months.

Once completed, the bridge will help establish a seamless transport axis between the islands, shorten travel times, reduce reliance on water transport—particularly during adverse weather conditions—and expand opportunities for marine and island-based economic development.

VnEconomy-Đan Tiên

The plan spans over 43,000 ha divided into five functional subdivisions, with the airport at its center acting as the "heart" of the entire urban area, facilitating massive flows of cargo and passengers.

To effectively leverage the advantages of the Long Thanh International Airport, Dong Nai province is orienting the development of Long Thanh into an "airport city" model.

The plan spans an area of over 43,000 ha, which will be divided into five functional subdivisions, with the airport at its center acting as the "heart" of the entire urban area, facilitating massive flows of cargo and passengers.

On December 29, Mr. Vo Tan Duc, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, chaired a working session with the local Department of Construction and authorities to review the progress of the General Planning Project for Long Thanh Urban Area through 2045.

According to reports from the Department of Construction, following the Prime Minister's approval of the planning tasks in February 2024, Dong Nai organized an international design competition for the Long Thanh International Airport urban area and its surroundings. The competition attracted numerous international consultancy firms and world-class experts, yielding breakthrough ideas for the city’s general master plan.

Currently, Dong Nai is finalizing the planning project based on these ideas. The province aims to develop Long Thanh under a "Twin City" model, closely integrated with Ho Chi Minh City to create a region with high global competitiveness.

The project positions Long Thanh Airport as the nucleus of development, aiming to build a modern, ecological, green, and smart "Aerotropolis" of international caliber. This urban center is expected to serve as a new trade gateway for Asia.

According to the planning targets, Long Thanh aims to achieve Class-II urban status after 2030. By 2045, the population of the Long Thanh Aerotropolis is projected to exceed 1.5 million people.

Parallel to this, the province is researching a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) model. This strategy seeks to maximize the benefits of the airport alongside a comprehensive transport infrastructure system, including expressways, railways, and metro lines.

Vneconomy-Thiên Di

The figure equal to 69.6% of the target set by the Prime Minister.

Disbursement of public investment capital nationwide reached more than VND635.6 trillion ($24.16 billion) as of December 25, equivalent to 69.6% of the target set by the Prime Minister, according to the Ministry of Finance.

Total public investment capital approved for 2025 stands at over VND913.2 trillion ($34.7 billion).

Although disbursement accelerated in the final weeks of the year, persistent bottlenecks remain in many ministries, sectors and localities, where implementation rates continue to fall below the national average.

Only 11 central ministries and 14 localities have met or exceeded the national average disbursement rate, while 21 ministries and 16 provinces remain behind schedule.

VnEconomy-Hoàng Sơn

The CT.03 expressway will span approximately 450 km, linking Hanoi capital with northern mountainous provinces of Phu Tho, Son La, and Dien Bien, as well as neighboring Laos.

The Ministry of Construction (MoC) has called for a swift consensus on the investment plan for the CT.03 expressway section connecting Moc Chau, Son La, Dien Bien, and the Tay Trang border gate.

That will serve as the foundation for completing the proposal to be submitted to the National Assembly during the first session of the 16th tenure.

The MoC held a meeting with leaders from Son La and Dien Bien provinces, alongside the Ministry of Finance, to discuss the investment strategy for the CT.03 expressway on December 29 under the chair of Minister Tran Hong Minh.

During the session, Mr. Nguyen Dinh Viet, Chairman of the Son La Provincial People’s Committee, reported that construction on the Hoa Binh – Moc Chau section commenced on May 18, 2025, and the province is currently focusing on ensuring its progress. Building on this momentum, the local government proposed the early investment of the expressway section stretching from Moc Chau to the border between Sơn La and Dien Bien provinces, totaling approximately 175 km.

According to Son La’s proposal, the section from Moc Chau to the former city of Son La spans roughly 100 km with an estimated investment of over VND22 trillion (nearly $838 million). The subsequent section from the former city of Son La to the border  between Son La and Dien Bien provinces is about 75 km long, with an estimated cost of over VND14 trillion. Son La officials noted that they had submitted documents to the Government and relevant ministries in May 2025 requesting to establish the investment policy for the Moc Chau – the former city of Son La section; however, the province has yet to be officially designated as the governing agency for the project.

Representing Dien Bien province, Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Le Van Luong proposed prioritizing the expressway section from the border between Son La and Dien Bien to the former city of Dien Bien Phu City, covering approximately 70 km with a projected investment exceeding VND23 trillion (over $875 million). Simultaneously, the province recommended deferring the construction of the section from the former city of Dien Bien Phu  to the Tay Trang border gate in the current phase.

According to the national master plan, the CT.03 expressway will span approximately 450 km, linking Hanoi capital with Phu Tho, Son La, and Dien Bien provinces, as well as neighboring Laos. The route is designed with six lanes for the Hanoi – Hoa Binh segment and four lanes for the section from Hoa Binh to the Tay Trang border gate, with an investment timeline set for completion before 2030. 

Vneconomy-Đan Tiên

Companies in Vietnam’s support industry must bolster their technological capacity to be part of global supply chains.

Vietnam’s support industry sector has seen a much brighter picture in recent years compared to the past. The country is now home to nearly 7,000 support industry enterprises, most of them concentrated in five key sectors: mechanical engineering, automobiles, electrical-electronics, textiles and garments, and high technology.

Some 300 domestic companies have already secured a place in the supply chains of major foreign-invested manufacturers such as Samsung, Honda, Toyota, and LG. But limited technological capability remains a major hurdle, keeping many Vietnamese support industry companies on the sidelines of global supply chains.

Stalled by low tech

At the recent “Increasing Technological Content and Enhancing Competitiveness for Support Industry Products” seminar, Mr. Chu Viet Cuong, Director of the Industrial Development Support Center (IDC) at the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), said the localization rate in many support industry sectors in Vietnam remains low, hovering at around 30-40 per cent; still far below the government’s target of 50-60 per cent. He added that price competitiveness is limited, and the technological capability of enterprises remains only average. Their ability to apply scientific research and conduct RD also remains quite poor.

Meanwhile, shifting conditions at home and abroad are posing new challenges, from financial pressure to technological gaps and a lack of high-quality human resources, all of which fall short of the requirements of major global corporations. In addition, collaboration between institutes, universities, technical centers, and businesses is still rather limited, creating another major hurdle for the development of support industries in Vietnam.

According to industry experts, the core problem is that many enterprises still operate with low technological capability and lack investment in machinery upgrades, equipment modernization, and RD. Access to advanced technologies from FDI companies remains limited, while the technical workforce is not yet equipped to handle technology transfers. RD capacity within support industry companies has yet to take shape in any substantial form.

Additionally, only a small number of companies have laboratories or teams of engineers dedicated to product improvement. Most continue to depend on customer or FDI designs and lack the ability to independently design and develop new products.

Mr. Nguyen Van, Vice President of the Hanoi Supporting Industry Business Association (HANSIBA), noted that most players are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and therefore constrained by limited capital, technology, management capacity, and high-quality human resources. “We have had nearly 40 years of economic reform, but support industries have only existed for just over a decade,” he emphasized. “In many places, companies still do not truly prioritize innovation. So to break into the value chains of major corporations, domestic support industry enterprises must make real breakthroughs in innovation.”

Of a similar mind, Mr. Cao Van Hung, Director of International Market at Smart Vietnam, said that to become a supplier for global corporations, companies must invest in high-tech machinery, which can cost up to millions of US dollars. “This enormous upfront investment is a major burden, and the payback period is long,” he said.

Beyond that, he continued, Vietnam lacks high-quality personnel, especially in RD and new product development; fields that are essential in helping Vietnamese companies move beyond low value added contract manufacturing. Retaining talent is also difficult due to fierce competition from FDI companies for skilled workers.

Another obstacle is technical certification. For example, to participate deeply in Boeing’s supply chain, companies must obtain sector-specific certifications such as AS9100. But obtaining such certifications requires significant cost and time, creating yet another barrier that prevents enterprises from advancing past the technical threshold.

Racing to upgrade

To get on to the radar of multinational corporations, Mr. Hung said Smart Vietnam plans to intensify its investments in innovation to create momentum and boost competitiveness. “We are targeting key markets such as the UK, Australia, and the US,” he told the seminar. “We will certainly invest more deeply so that Smart can not only supply components but also deliver fully-finished products to our customers.”

However, despite having been in the support industry sector for many years, Smart has yet to gain access to government credit packages. Mr. Hung said he hopes to be able to access preferential capital sources to invest in technological upgrades and strengthen the company’s competitiveness.

In response to these challenges, Mr. Cuong said the MoIT will focus on four major groups of solutions in the time ahead.

First, the government will work to improve enterprises’ innovation capacity through support for technology transfer, RD for new products, the machining and production of high-precision components, and assistance in meeting international certification standards. The Ministry will also roll out digital transformation programs to help firms optimize production processes.

Second, it is building top-tier technical support centers that function as regional hubs, such as the IDC Development Support Center and the IDCS Center in Ho Chi Minh City. These centers serve as focal points for technology transfer consulting and for technical training for staff and even management training for mid-level and senior managers at enterprises.

Third, efforts will be stepped up to promote links in value chains between FDI enterprises and domestic investors. MoIT regularly organizes international fairs such as VIMEXPO and dispatches Vietnamese business delegations to international exhibitions. Through these fairs, exhibitions, and seminars, B2B connections between buyers and sellers can be strengthened to promote value-chain integration.

And fourth, Vietnam will continue developing a high-quality technical workforce, especially in mechanical engineering, automotive, electronics, and high technology. This is being carried out through enterprise demand surveys and training programs tailored to specific needs, from software training to upskilling technicians and supporting digital transformation.

However, Mr. Cuong stressed that resolving these challenges requires coordinated efforts on “three sides and four fronts.”

The “three sides” include the State, which must create open policies to support businesses through tax incentives, credit access, land, and infrastructure; enterprises, which must proactively upgrade technology, participate in scientific research and new product development, and join training programs that improve workforce quality; and institutes, universities, and technical centers, which act as focal points for technology transfer and capacity building.

The “four fronts”, meanwhile, include these three elements plus business associations such as HANSIBA, which act as bridges helping enterprises access policies and accelerate RD and technological innovation.

According to Mr. Cuong, increasing technological content and strengthening the competitiveness of support industry enterprises in global supply chains is a long journey, but one that cannot be delayed. Only when Vietnamese enterprises master technology and proactively join global supply chains can Vietnam build an autonomous and sustainable technological foundation.

VET-Song Ha

The program specifically targets public research academies, institutes, centers, and public higher education institutions across the country.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung has signed Prime Ministerial Decision No. 2813/QD-TTg, approving a national program to enhance the capacity of public scientific research and technology development organizations for the 2025–2030 period.

The program specifically targets public research academies, institutes, centers, and public higher education institutions across the country.

Under the newly approved plan, Vietnam aims to have five basic research organizations, specializing in Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Materials Science, and Earth Science, ranked within the top 30% globally by 2030. These rankings will be based on assessments from prestigious international bodies such as the SCImago Institutions Rankings (SIR) or equivalent standards.

In the fields of engineering and technology, the government aims to propel 7 to 10 public research organizations into the global top 30%. These institutions are expected to play a leading role in researching and developing foundational and strategic technologies for the nation.

The program also outlines the development of four "excellent" research organizations in the social sciences and humanities. These bodies will serve as the core scientific pillars providing evidence-based arguments to the Party and the State for formulating guidelines, strategies, and socio-economic development plans. At least one of these organizations is expected to reach regional and international standards.

To ensure global integration, the program sets specific key performance indicators (KPIs) for these institutions. Starting from the second year of implementation, each targeted organization must attract at least 70 instances of participation from prestigious regional and international experts and scientists for research collaboration, training, and academic exchange; and maintain at least one reputable annual scientific forum or international-scale conference.

Vneconomy-Hạ Chi

Vietnam's 2025 GDP growth estimated at around 8%.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh asked for giving priority to maintaining macroeconomic stability, controlling inflation, promoting growth and ensuring major economic balances in order to achieve double-digit growth in 2026.

He made the direction while chairing the first meeting of the Steering Committee for Macroeconomic Management and Administration held in Hanoi on December 29.

Public, government and foreign debts must be kept under control in line with National Assembly resolutions, while growth must be rapid yet sustainable, he said. He called for proactive, flexible, appropriate and effective monetary policy management, and directed the swift establishment and operation of a national gold trading exchange. He instructed the Ministry of Industry and Trade to take measures to boost exports, consolidate traditional markets and expand into new ones, while accelerating negotiations and the signing of free trade agreements with partners.

The committee reported that in 2025, Vietnam maintained macroeconomic stability, kept inflation under control and recorded estimated GDP growth of around 8%. 

VnEconomy-Lý Hà

The conversion of these areas is expected to provide a substantial supply of new housing for the city's residents.

The Ho Chi Minh City People's Council has recently approved a list of 64 agricultural land plots to be utilized for pilot commercial housing projects. This move aims to address the city’s growing housing demand while maximizing the potential of existing land resources.

According to a proposal submitted by the City People's Committee, the  People's Council was initially asked to review and approve a third-phase list of 76 plots covering approximately 3.94 million square meters.

However, following a rigorous inspection, the People's Council determined that only 64 plots—totaling more than 2.7 million square meters—met the necessary criteria and conditions. Notably, over 1 million square meters of this total consists of rice-growing land. The conversion of these areas is expected to provide a substantial supply of new housing for the city's residents.

Under the National Assembly’s Resolution No. 171, these pilot projects allow real estate enterprises to acquire land use rights and convert land purposes for various types of land, provided the sites align with local urban planning and housing development schemes. This policy is expected to open significant opportunities for real estate developers and create favorable conditions for sustainable urban growth.

However, the transition from agricultural to commercial residential land is a complex process. Primary importance is being placed on the accuracy and integrity of land records and data.

The City People’s Committee has been tasked with reviewing and overseeing these projects to ensure they only proceed when all legal requirements are fully met. This will require close coordination between Government agencies and businesses to maintain transparency and efficiency throughout the conversion.

Another critical challenge involves safeguarding the rights of local citizens, particularly those currently farming the land. As the conversion may impact their livelihoods, the city emphasized the need for appropriate support policies to ensure community consensus and cooperation. Furthermore, the development of these commercial housing projects must be executed sustainably to avoid placing excessive pressure on urban infrastructure and the city’s overall living environment.

Vneconomy-Hồng Vinh

The local government will create favorable conditions for investors to conduct site surveys, provide necessary documentation, and continue to update project planning details.

The People’s Committee of Vung Tau Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, is officially calling for investment in 12 projects spanning tourism, commerce, healthcare, cultural spaces, and public facilities, with a total area exceeding 793 ha, according to a report from Radio the Voice of Vietnam.

Specifically, Vung Tau is seeking investment for the following areas: the Nui Lon - Nui Nho area (350 ha); Mui Nghinh Phong (34.85 ha); the Ben Dinh Urban Area and residential renovation project (210 ha); the Front Beach Park and Trung Trac – Trung Nhi Street area (32 ha); Bau Sen Park (30.48 ha); and a commercial service plot at Cluster 5 for the Vung Tau International Sea Exhibition Center (2.81 ha).

Additional projects include a high-end tourism service site (1.4 ha); the former tourist market site (2.9 ha); a central hospital (1.9 ha); a Cluster 3 multi-level school (3.9 ha); the "21 Thong Nhat" site designated for a theme park and creative STEAM, cultural, and sports space (1.3 ha); and an International Passenger Port (121.64 ha).

Chairman of the Vung Tau Ward People’s Committee, Vu Hong Thuan, stated that the local government will create favorable conditions for investors to conduct site surveys, provide necessary documentation, and continue to update project planning details.

Vung Tau Ward (formerly part of Vung Tau City, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province) was merged from wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Thang Nhi, and Thang Tam. Following the administrative restructuring, the ward's economic structure is centered on tourism, services, and commerce.

VOV-

During the 2020–2025 period, nearly 1,000 trade promotion projects with a total budget of over VND800 billion ($30.4 million) were implemented.

The year 2025 has set a new record for import-export activities, with a projected total value exceeding $920 billion. This represents a more than 17% increase compared to 2024, far surpassing the Government’s target of 10–12%.

This milestone officially propels Vietnam into the Top 15 global trading powers, according to Mr. Le Hoang Tai, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (Ministry of Industry and Trade), who spoke  at the conference "Review of Trade Promotion in 2025 and Tasks for 2026" on December 29.

These positive results are significantly attributed to trade promotion efforts. Such initiatives have effectively supported businesses in networking, exploring, and expanding export markets, while simultaneously fostering the growth of the domestic market.

Reflecting on the 2021–2025 journey, Mr. Tai said "Trade promotion activities have undergone a profound transformation in mindset, methodology, and scale. This sector has become an effective tool helping businesses enhance brand value and bolstering Vietnam’s soft power on the international stage."

Notably, during the 2020–2025 period, nearly 1,000 trade promotion projects with a total budget of over VNĐ800 billion ($30.4 million) were implemented. These projects focused on diversifying export markets and effectively leveraging Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to tap into potential markets.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has regularly organized briefing sessions with Vietnam’s overseas trade offices, export forums, international trade fairs, and supply-demand matching programs. These efforts have enabled Vietnamese goods to penetrate deeper into major and highly demanding markets.

Furthermore, digital transformation in trade promotion has seen a distinct push. Online trade fairs and cross-border livestreaming sales are becoming increasingly widespread, providing modern avenues for Vietnamese products to reach global consumers.

Entering a new phase, the global "arena" is no longer a mere continuation of the past but a fierce competition characterized by a blistering pace of digitalization and stringent technical barriers regarding corporate social responsibility, safety, and traceability.

To adapt to these changes, Mr. Tai stated that trade promotion for the 2026–2030 period will focus on five major pillars:  Identifying priority commodity groups and sectors; Diversifying markets; Building and refining the National Trade Promotion Ecosystem; Enhancing the promotional capacity of industries, localities, and businesses; and  comprehensively innovating the National Trade Promotion Program.

Mr. Tran Thanh Hai, Deputy Director of the ministry's Import-Export Department, noted that in a volatile global trade environment, strengthening the connection between the Import-Export Department, the Trade Promotion Agency, and the network of overseas trade offices is a key factor. This synergy helps businesses access information promptly, mitigate risks, and effectively seize market opportunities.

Ms. Ho Thi Quyen, Deputy Director of the Investment and Trade Promotion Center of Ho Chi Minh City (ITPC), proposed that for 2026, trade promotion efforts should prioritize: Maintaining regular briefings with overseas trade offices to capture market intelligence; identifying key markets and priority sectors; fostering two-way promotion (both import and export); and enhancing the trade promotion capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Vneconomy-Vũ Khuê

Vietnam Economic Times Issue 436+437 | Monday, December 22 29, 2025

Dear readers,

The year 2025 is gradually coming to a close, with a host of achievements “accumulated” during the implementation of Vietnam’s five-year socio-economic development plan (2021-2025), outlined by the 13th National Party Congress, while opening a new development phase, starting from the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, with faith and hope for a brighter future for the nation on the path to achieving two centennial strategic goals.

Over the past five years, Vietnam has made great efforts to overcome all difficulties and challenges, both subjective and objective, to achieve targets set for national socio-economic development. If its GDP scale in 2025 reaches $510 billion, as forecast, Vietnam’s economy will have grown 39.3 per cent in the five-year period, from 2021’s $366 billion, excluding inflation factors.

Many international analysts have predicted that Vietnam will achieve the highest economic growth rate in Asia for 2025. The socio-economic achievements attained this year and over the past five years provide an important base for the Party and the State to formulate development plans for 2026 and subsequent years, with an annual double-digit growth target set for the 2026-2030 period.

The Vietnam’s Economy in 2025 Prospects in 2026 Forum (VEPF 2025), with the theme “Vietnam’s rapid and

sustainable economic development and green transition in the digital age,” was held on December 16, co-chaired by the Government and the Central Commission for Policy and Strategy, and looked back on Vietnam’s economic development journey in 2025 and also towards its prospects in 2026 and the years to follow, with a new vision and mindset to fulfil the double-digit growth target.

Speaking at the High-Level Forum within VEPF 2025, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that Vietnam’s economy has proven its resilience to external shocks, and that the country’s goal of rapid and sustainable development based on green and digital transformation has solid foundations, ample potential, and a high level of feasibility.

Our Cover Story in this twin edition (VET436+437) further amplifies the issues discussed at VEPF 2025, with a focus on three main groups of topics: objectively analyzing and evaluating the results achieved as well as the limitations, shortcomings, and influences in macro-economic management in 2025; identifying the impact of the global and domestic contexts on Vietnam’s economy, analyzing and evaluating the opportunities and challenges for the country’s economic development in 2026 and the 2026-2030 period; and proposing strategic solutions to promote double-digit growth, green transformation associated with strong digital transformation, with priority given to renewing mindsets in directing and managing socio-economic development policies, mobilizing and effectively using financial resources to serve the double-digit growth target, the green economy, the circular economy, emission reductions, environmental protection, and the role of the business community, among others.

Dear readers,

This is our last edition for 2025, a year filled with major socio-economic events that were timely covered by Vietnam Economic Times, with in-depth evaluations and analyses. This significant achievement resulted from the collective endeavors of our officials, reporters, editors, staff, and collaborators to meet the economic information needs of readers, both domestic and international, who have always been a source of encouragement and a decisive factor in our success.

On behalf of all staff at Vietnam Economic Times, I would like to avail myself of this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to all of our readers.

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!

Warmest regards

Dr. CHU VAN LAM
CHAIRMAN OF THE EDITORIAL BOARD

VET-Vietnam Economic Times - VnEconomy

Total investment capital estimated at VND4.4 trillion ($167 million).

Hue City in central Vietnam is calling for investment in three large-scale social housing projects with a combined capital of VND4.4 trillion (approximately $167 million), according to the city’s Department of Construction.

The first project will be developed on land plot XH1, Zone B of the An Van Duong New Urban Area. Covering about 18,551 sq.m, the project is expected to supply around 1,200 apartments, with total investment estimated at VND1.19 trillion ($45.2 million).

The second project, located in Phong Thai Ward, spans 26.17 hectares and will provide approximately 1,680 adjacent houses. Its total investment capital is estimated at VND1.43 trillion ($54.3 million).

The third project will be built in Huong An Ward on an area of more than 40,300 sq.m, supplying around 1,581 apartments. The required investment capital is estimated at over VND1.77 trillion ($67.3 million).

Construction of all three projects is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2026.

In 2025, the city broke ground on four social housing projects, delivering more than 2,000 apartments, as part of efforts to expand affordable housing supply.

VnEconomy-Thiên Di

The credit structure remains closely aligned with the country’s economic structure, effectively meeting the borrowing needs of both individuals and businesses.

Vietnam’s total outstanding credit reached approximately VND18.4 quadrillion ($699 billion) as of December 24, up 17.87% compared to the end of 2024 and 19.41% year-on-year, according to the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV).

The credit structure remains closely aligned with the country’s economic structure, effectively meeting the borrowing needs of both individuals and businesses. By the end of October, the agriculture, forestry, and fishery sector accounted for 6.15% of total outstanding loans, while the processing and manufacturing industry made up 12.39%. The construction sector represented 7.47%, and wholesale and retail accounted for the largest share at 22.24%.

Several priority areas continued to hold a significant proportion of total outstanding loans, notably agriculture and rural development at 22.42%, and small and medium-sized enterprises at 19.11%.

In addition, a number of specialized credit programs were implemented in 2025 under direction from the Government. The credit package for the forestry and fishery sectors was expanded from VND15 trillion ($570 million) to VND185 trillion ($7.03 billion). Meanwhile, the loan program supporting the production, processing, and consumption of high-quality rice in the Mekong Delta recorded cumulative disbursements of approximately VND3.1 trillion ($117.8 million) by the end of November.

VnEconomy-Tùng Thư

The investment roadmap for all five projects is slated for the medium-term periods of 2026–2030 and 2031–2035.

During its recent 7th session, the 10th Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council officially passed a resolution to add five more urban railway projects to the list of priority works under National Assembly Resolution No. 188/2025/QH15 (Resolution 188).

Resolution 188 outlines the pilot application of special mechanisms and policies specifically designed to accelerate the development of urban railway networks in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Following this approval, Ho Chi Minh City will apply these special mechanisms to five more new urban railway projects aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and completing the city's transport infrastructure. The projects include: metro line 1 (connecting Binh Duong New City to Suoi Tien); metro line 2 (connecting Thu Dau Mot to Ho Chi Minh City); metro line 3 (Connecting Vung Tau – Ba Ria – Phu My); the Thu Thiem – Long Thanh line; and extension of the Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien Metro line to the Dong Nai Provincial Administrative Center and Long Thanh International Airport in Dong Nai province.

According to the proposal by the City People’s Committee, the investment roadmap for all five projects is slated for the medium-term periods of 2026–2030 and 2031–2035.

Regarding the investment model, the extension of the Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien line to Long Thanh Airport is expected to be carried out via Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The remaining four lines are planned to be funded through either public investment or the PPP model.

Vneconomy-Thanh Thủy

The Ca Mau – Dat Mui Expressway spans over 80 km with four lanes and two emergency stopping lanes, featuring a design speed of 100 km/h.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has demanded the maximum mobilization of resources and continuous construction to ensure the progress of the Ca Mau – Dat Mui Expressway and a sea-crossing bridge project that will link the expressway to Hon Khoai Island.

During a working visit to key project sites in the southernmost province of Ca Mau on December 28, he emphasized the requirements for safety, quality, and a long-term strategic vision for these vital works.

According to Colonel Le Xuan Long, Director of Project Management Unit 166 (Ministry of National Defense), 100% of the site clearance for both projects has been completed, however, construction progress has been hindered by a shortage of building materials, particularly sand and stone, which has impacted operations on-site.

The PM stressed that these are projects of exceptional importance, implemented under emergency mechanisms but carrying a long-term strategic vision—not only for Ca Mau province but for the entire Mekong Delta and the nation’s marine economy development strategy.

On this basis, the PM assigned the Ministry of National Defense to mobilize maximum personnel, equipment, and machinery, while applying modern construction methods suited to the region's specific terrain.

Notably, regarding the sea-crossing bridge to Hon Khoai Island, PM Chinh requested that investors and contractors research the addition of rest stops on the bridge, combined with appropriate landscape design to allow residents and tourists to stop for sightseeing and photography. According to the PM, this is a "legacy" project that must not only serve socio-economic development but also possess high aesthetic value, becoming a tourism product integrated with transport infrastructure.

The Hon Khoai sea-crossing bridge project is approximately 18 km long with four lanes and a design speed of 80 km/h, with a total investment of over VND25.7 trillion (over $976 million). The project is being implemented in synchronization with the Ca Mau – Dat Mui Expressway and the Hon Khoai dual-use port.

The Ca Mau – Dat Mui Expressway spans over 80 km with four lanes and two emergency stopping lanes, featuring a design speed of 100 km/h. The terminus connects to the Hon Khoai International Port complex, which has a designed capacity of approximately 20 million tons of cargo per year. It is expected to become a vital gateway for the marine economy and logistics strategy of the Southern region.

Vneconomy-Minh Kiệt