The World Bank has published its latest Viet Nam Economic Update, projecting that economic growth will slow to 6.8% in 2026 after 8% in 2025, while remaining robust in a more uncertain global environment. The report attributes current momentum to strong exports and investment, a resilient domestic economy, and a broad reform agenda taking place alongside what it describes as Viet Nam's largest administrative rationalization and reorganization since the Doi Moi reforms. The update says the near term outlook remains solid but risks are elevated. Manufacturing and exports are expected to continue anchoring growth, but sustaining momentum over the medium term will depend on retaining more value domestically, deepening links between foreign-invested and domestic firms, and raising productivity. The World Bank also points to softer global conditions, an oil shock, climate shocks, rapid technological change, demographic shifts, and rising infrastructure needs as pressures that strengthen the case for tighter macroeconomic management and effective implementation and financing of the reform agenda.
World Bank2026-05-15
World Bank projects Viet Nam growth to moderate to 6.8% in 2026 and flags elevated near term risks
The World Bank’s latest Viet Nam Economic Update projects growth easing from 8% in 2025 to 6.8% in 2026, while remaining robust amid a more uncertain global environment. It highlights strong exports, investment, and a broad reform agenda as drivers, but notes elevated risks and stresses the need to retain more value domestically, deepen links between foreign-invested and local firms, raise productivity, and tighten macroeconomic management to support implementation and financing of reforms.