According to World Bank, following strong momentum in the first half of 2025, driven by front-loaded exports, the Vietnamese economy is expected to moderate over the remainder of the year as export growth normalizes. As an export-oriented economy, Viet Nam remains vulnerable to slower global growth and softening demand from major trading partners. Trade-policy uncertainty may also begin to weigh on business and consumer confidence.
Over the medium term, growth is projected to ease to 6.1 percent in 2026 before rebounding to 6.5 percent in 2027, supported by a recovery in global trade and Viet Nams continued appeal as a competitive manufacturing base.
The report highlights the potential to raise public and private R and D spending in Viet Nam, complementing broader business enabling reforms. Total R and D spending in Viet Nam remains lower than more developed regional peers. There is scope to increase PhD-level faculty to grow the pipeline of advanced-degree graduates and high-caliber researchers. Strengthening university-industry-government linkages could catalyze the development of a work-ready workforce and promote technology transfer and knowledge spillovers.
Taking Stock - Viet Nam Economic Update is the World Banks biannual economic report series on Viet Nam, providing insights into the countrys economic outlook and strategies for growth.