Vietnam’s economy maintained robust, broad-based momentum in the first half of the year, with gross domestic product expanding 8.2 per cent, up from 7.5 per cent in the same period in 2025. Growth was supported by continued expansion in manufacturing, buoyant domestic consumption and sustained foreign direct investment.

“Vietnam’s strong first-half performance demonstrates the economy’s resilience and potential to sustain robust growth,” said Shantanu Chakraborty, ADB country director for Vietnam.

“To maintain this momentum and achieve high-quality growth, Vietnam will need prudent macroeconomic management to contain inflation, safeguard financial stability and accelerate structural reforms, while ensuring that investment-led growth translates into productivity gains,” he said.

The growth forecast for 2026 was revised up from 7.2 per cent in the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) July 2026, while the 2027 forecast was raised from 7.0 per cent, reflecting stronger domestic demand, accelerated investment and robust manufacturing.

Inflation is projected at 4.3 per cent in 2026 and 4.0 per cent in 2027, amid sustained demand pressures and higher energy and import costs.

While Vietnam’s near-term growth prospects remain robust, risks are tilted to the downside. Weaker global demand and heightened external uncertainty could weigh on growth, while higher energy prices and tighter global financial conditions could add to inflation and exchange-rate pressures.

Domestically, rapid credit growth could amplify vulnerabilities in the financial sector, while smaller firms continue to face financing constraints.

The ADO September 2026 report also underscored the importance of maintaining macroeconomic stability, improving public investment execution, deepening capital markets, strengthening the private sector and boosting productivity to support Vietnam’s transition towards high-income status.