Public investment - Key driver for economic recovery and growth in 2023

PSNews - Public investment will be another key driver for economic recovery and growth in 2023 and 2024, according to Principal Country Economist for Vietnam Nguyen Minh Cuong. He said Vietnam can still achieve its growth target if it implements three key breakthroughs.

Public investment - Key driver for economic recovery and growth in 2023 -0
Photo for illustration. 

After a strong performance in 2022, Vietnam’s economic growth is expected to moderate at 6.5% this year and further expand at 6.8% in 2024, according to the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) recently released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). 

Vietnam’s economic growth will be constrained in 2023 by the global economic slowdown, continued monetary tightening in advanced economies, and spillover from global geopolitical tensions, said ADB Country Director for Vietnam Andrew Jeffries.

Public investment will be another key driver for economic recovery and growth in 2023 and 2024, according to Principal Country Economist for Vietnam Nguyen Minh Cuong. He said Vietnam can still achieve its growth target if it implements three key breakthroughs.

"First, Vietnam plans to disburse nearly 30 billion USD of public investment this year, which can contribute 1% to GDP growth. Second, Vietnam will shift its policy, from tightening inflation control to supporting growth. Vietnam is also taking advantage of the reopening of China whose key sectors — industry, construction, and services — are experiencing strong growth," said Cuong.  

The ADB forecast that on the demand side, domestic consumption will continue to rebound in 2023. Revived tourism, new public investment and stimulus programmes initiated in January 2022, and a salary increase effective in July 2023 are expected to keep domestic consumption on the rise, though higher inflation may hamper its recovery.

Weakening global demand will continue to dampen trade in 2023. Exports in the first two months of 2023 decreased by 10.4% year on year, while imports dropped by 16%, it said.

Both imports and exports are forecast to shrink by 7% this year and next. Slowing trade could create a current account deficit that equals 1% of GDP this year before moving back into surplus in 2024.

By Kim Khanh

Other News

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

More than a year after the Politburo's Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private sector development came into effect, expectations now extend beyond increasing the number of enterprises. The goal is to build a stronger business community with greater resilience, larger ambitions and the capacity to compete in global supply chains.

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam is expected to remain one of ASEAN’s fastest-growing economies in 2026, supported by resilient exports, strong investment inflows and an ambitious reform agenda, despite mounting global uncertainties, according to the World Bank’s latest Vietnam Economic Update released on May 15.

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Under a new circular, the exchange of greenhouse gas emission quotas and carbon credits is conducted on the domestic carbon credit exchange through the carbon trading system, which is interconnected with the national registration system.

Biofuel ready for nationwide rollout

Biofuel ready for nationwide rollout

For biofuels, particularly E10, to develop successfully, stronger and more coordinated policies are needed, especially pricing mechanisms capable of creating a sufficiently attractive gap between E10 and mineral-based petrol, an expert has said.

Vietnamese farm produce promoted at African investment, trade forum

Vietnamese farm produce promoted at African investment, trade forum

The 12th Africa Forum for Investment & Commerce (AFIC 12) opened in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, on May 9, drawing around 2,000 participants, including officials, economists, businesses, financial and development organizagtions from 43 African countries and international partners, including Vietnam.

Int'l medical, pharmaceutical expo opens in Hanoi

Int'l medical, pharmaceutical expo opens in Hanoi

The exhibition, which runs until May 9 at the Hanoi International Centre for Exhibition, showcases advanced products and technologies across a range of fields, including pharmaceuticals, drug manufacturing machinery and equipment, medical devices, hospital and clinic services and dental equipment.

Mega projects to transform Ho Chi Minh City urban landscape

Mega projects to transform Ho Chi Minh City urban landscape

Leading the charge in this massive building spree is the new central city square in the core of the Thu Thiem new urban area. Spanning more than 20 ha, it’s the crown jewel of the Central Square and new administrative center complex.

Vietnam establishes itself as one of region’s most dynamic manufacturing and supply bases

Vietnam establishes itself as one of region’s most dynamic manufacturing and supply bases

The country’s stable political and economic environment provides a critical foundation for long-term sourcing strategies. At the same time, Vietnam has demonstrated a strong ability to scale up manufacturing, supported by a continuously expanding industrial base capable of meeting both high-volume demand and increasingly complex technical and quality requirements.

Vietnamese pomelos gain broader access to Australian market

Vietnamese pomelos gain broader access to Australian market

The update by Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to its Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) on April 10, officially setting out import conditions for Vietnamese pomelos, is regarded as a major milestone in market access efforts.

Vietnam's industry spearheads transition to circular economy

Vietnam's industry spearheads transition to circular economy

The circular economy is no longer just a policy choice. It has become an inevitable trend for delivering sustainable and green growth, sharpening competitiveness at home and abroad, and meeting Vietnam’s net-zero emissions target by 2050. It is now a prerequisite to sustain long-term economic expansion, particularly in industrial production and supporting industries.

Nearly 100 tonnes of Vietnamese fruits, vegetables airlifted to UAE

Nearly 100 tonnes of Vietnamese fruits, vegetables airlifted to UAE

Vietnamese fresh produce and processed foods are increasingly recognised for their quality, with items such as cashew nuts, coffee and spices gaining popularity among Middle East consumers. In 2025, Vietnam’s farm produce exports to the UAE exceeded 445 million USD, up nearly 24% year-on-year.