As the world enters a period of profound upheaval, from geopolitics and economic structures to supply chains and standards of green and sustainable development, Vietnam faces a rare opportunity to affirm its national image: a self-reliant, innovative, prosperous country striving for the happiness of every citizen.
A pivotal moment
The world in 2025 is not the same as it was just a few years ago. Global economic growth is projected to hover around 2.5-2.7%, a low level that has persisted since the pandemic. The US and EU are pushing forward with green industrial policies and standards. China is adjusting its growth model towards consumption and high technology. Nearly 3,000 trade restrictions have been implemented in the past two years alone. Global supply chains are undergoing significant restructuring; multinational corporations are accelerating their strategies to shift away from China.
In this geopolitical shift, nations compete not only on GDP, but also on image, technological capabilities, institutional quality, living environment, and national values. This is a new, more intense, profound, and long-term positioning race.
For Vietnam – a country of 100 million people, possessing a strategic geostrategic location in the heart of Southeast Asia and achieving high growth compared to the rest of the world – this is not just a challenge. It is also an opportunity for transformation if Vietnam chooses the right approach, leverages its internal strengths, and seizes the opportunities that arise.
Existing platform
Over four decades of reform, Vietnam has been among the fastest-growing economies in the world. GDP per capita has increased more than 6.6 times since 1985. The economy currently stands at $485 billion (IMF), ranking 34th globally. Exports have surpassed $450 billion, ranking 23rd worldwide. Disbursed FDI in 2025 could reach a record $25 billion, reflecting the strong attractiveness of the economy.
The image Vietnam needs to cultivate is not just that of a "factory," but one that elevates it to a center for R&D, design, and innovation within the technology chain. Photo: Nguyen Thao
High-tech industries have the potential to become new drivers of growth. Vietnam is already a strategic base for Samsung, LG, Intel, Apple Supply Chain, Amkor, and others. Its young, large workforce, quick to adapt to new technologies, creates a significant competitive advantage.
The digital economy continues to surge. According to Google & Temasek, Vietnam's digital economy reached $30 billion in 2023 and could rise to $55 billion in 2025, placing it among the fastest-growing in Southeast Asia.
A dynamic, integrated, and innovative Vietnam is taking shape.
Leveraging key resources
The document prepared for the 14th Party Congress sets the goal of double-digit GDP growth and a GDP per capita of US$8,500 by 2030, thereby moving Vietnam into the group of upper-middle-income countries.
This goal reflects the aspiration to reach national prominence, and to achieve it, the following pillars must be leveraged.
Firstly, there is the strongest FDI shift in three decades. UNCTAD notes that over 50% of large multinational corporations are relocating part of their production out of China. Vietnam is among the top three most attractive destinations, along with India and Mexico. If Vietnam attracts $35-40 billion in FDI per year during the 2026-2030 period, the manufacturing sector could potentially achieve growth of 12-14% per year.
Secondly, Vietnam needs to accelerate its digital transformation significantly. Internet access has reached 78%, and e-commerce is growing at 25-30% annually. With the right strategy and steps, Vietnam has the opportunity to become a digital economic hub of ASEAN.
Thirdly, national infrastructure is creating new momentum. Over 2.87 trillion VND in public investment for the 2021-2025 period (the largest amount ever) is gradually forming a new connectivity network: the North-South expressway, Long Thanh airport, the Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City ring roads, and the national digital infrastructure. These are the foundations that allow Vietnam to achieve high growth rates if it innovates its development model.
These challenges require a repositioning of thinking.
The new context and challenges demand a repositioning of thinking and a strategic approach. Here are some key points to consider.
Firstly, competition to attract FDI is becoming increasingly fierce. India, Indonesia, and Malaysia are offering superior tax incentives and infrastructure to attract the semiconductor and electronics industries. Vietnam cannot rely solely on low labor costs.
Secondly, green standards are becoming a trade "passport." The EU is implementing CBAM; the US, Japan, and South Korea are establishing carbon roadmaps. Vietnam's steel, cement, textile, and chemical industries face significant pressure if they do not transition to green.
Thirdly, labor productivity remains a bottleneck. Vietnam's labor productivity is significantly lower than that of its competitors. Without increasing productivity, high growth will not be sustainable.
Fourth, environmental and urbanization risks. According to an ADB analysis, climate change could cause 12–14% of GDP losses by 2050. Air quality in major cities is a strategic issue directly related to the national image.
Images from the new decade
To position Vietnam on the world map, it is necessary to build a consistent, modern, and contemporary national image. Below is the image that Vietnam needs to cultivate.
As a self-reliant and stable nation, political stability, crisis response capabilities, and the ability to sustain long-term growth form the foundation of our national brand.
As a high-tech manufacturing hub in Asia, Vietnam must not only be a "factory" but also rise to become a center for R&D, design, and innovation within the technology chain.
As a rapidly digitizing and innovative nation, it leverages its young population and dynamic startup ecosystem to form a vast digital economy.
To be a green and livable country. "Greening" production, improving urban quality, and protecting the environment are the foundations for attracting talent and investors and building a positive image.
As a nation of 100 million people, we have aspirations. Aspirations create identity. A nation that dares to think big, dares to move fast, and dares to innovate will become the most powerful force of attraction.
Strategic solutions
Innovate the growth model based on productivity and technology. Vietnam needs to increase TFP to 2–2.5% per year; build an ecosystem for semiconductors, AI, and biotechnology; and strongly develop large-scale private enterprises.
Developing high-quality human resources. Training 50,000 semiconductor and AI engineers by 2030; standardizing vocational training according to OECD standards; and establishing specific mechanisms to attract global experts.
Building a green and circular economy. Developing a domestic carbon market; increasing the proportion of renewable energy and supporting businesses to achieve CBAM standards.
Institutional reforms are needed to lead the region. Investment licensing time should be reduced to 6-9 months; all administrative procedures should be digitized, and public investment should be made transparent.
Maximize the advantages of a market of 100 million people. Develop innovative services, the night-time economy, and modern commerce.
Journey of Aspiration
As the new year arrives, looking back on the past and looking towards the future, it is clear that Vietnam is at a convergence point of both opportunity and aspiration. A new growth model is taking shape; a "Vietnamese value system"—self-reliance, prosperity, and happiness—is gradually becoming the guiding principle for development.
Positioning Vietnam is not just a strategic story, but also a story of belief based on reality and lessons learned from the journey to the future. Belief that a country of 100 million people can rise to new heights, affirming its important role in the region and the world. Belief that every citizen will enjoy the fruits of development. Belief that a modern, green, prosperous, and happy Vietnam is a completely achievable goal. This belief must be based on a thorough understanding of the opportunities as well as the challenges and potential risks involved.
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/dinh-vi-viet-nam-2489332.html
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