While falling short of expectations, GDP growth in the first half provided direction on the approach required to reach double-digit growth for the year as a whole.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Huong, Director General of the National Statistics Office at the Ministry of Finance, tells Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy about the drivers behind Vietnam’s robust first-half economic performance, the challenges that could weigh on growth in the second half, and the policy priorities needed to achieve the country’s ambitious 2026 GDP target.
Industry and construction remained a key growth driver, benefiting from a rebound in export orders and the spillover effects of major public investment projects.
Vietnam is expected to sustain solid growth momentum this year even as it faces challenges including geopolitical tensions, elevated oil prices and rising inflationary pressures.
After a strong GDP growth of 7.1 per cent in 2024, Vietnam's economic expansion is expected to moderate to 6.6 per cent in 2025 and further ease to 6.5 per cent in 2026.