A ship docks at Hai Phong Port. (Photo: VNA)

HSBC and Standard Chartered have both raised their forecasts for Vietnam’s 2025 gross domestic product (GDP) growth to 7.9% and 7.5%, respectively — nearly two percentage points higher than previous projections. Earlier this month, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank (WB) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) also revised up their growth outlooks, describing Vietnam as a rare bright spot maintaining stable momentum amid global headwinds.

Standard Chartered said Vietnam’s steady growth is underpinned by three key factors: stable trade, sustained foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, and a strong rebound in domestic demand. FDI remains a key driver, with disbursement reaching USD 18.8 billion as of September - the highest in five years - while newly registered capital climbed to USD 28.5 billion, up 15.2% from a year earlier.

HSBC noted that Vietnam is becoming a strategic choice in global supply chain realignment, thanks to its stable macroeconomic conditions, flexible fiscal policy and fast-improving industrial infrastructure.

According to the World Bank, Vietnam benefits from solid fiscal space, low public debt and macroeconomic stability, allowing for large-scale public investment to address infrastructure gaps, create jobs and stimulate private sector growth.

Analysts say Vietnam is entering a new phase of development in which growth is no longer measured only by speed, but also by adaptability and quality of governance.

With GDP expanding more than 8% in the third quarter of 2025 and upbeat forecasts from major global lenders, the government’s full-year growth target of 8.5% is seen as increasingly within reach.