Vietnam’s economic prospects for 2017

Vietnam will continue to face challenges but will see plenty of opportunities for economic growth in 2017.

Experts say the advantages for Vietnam’s economy in 2017 will come from free trade agreements and the Government’s commitments to institutional reforms to facilitate the business environment. Export, real estate and securities markets are also expected to enjoy stable growth.

Benefits from free trade deals
The new US administration may abandon the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement but alternative options are being discussed. Vietnam and other TPP partners can make some adjustments and implement this important deal. A free trade agreement with the EU is also a possible advantage for Vietnam.

“The EU is encountering major internal challenges but Vietnam has established strategic partnerships or comprehensive cooperative partnerships with several key EU member countries. We need to promote these relationships for long-term cooperation with the EU. In addition, FTAs with the Republic of Korea and some other countries will continue to serve as a solid foundation for Vietnam’s economic growth”, said economist Pham Chi Lan.             

Ms. Lan added that the renewal process and experiences learned will offer more opportunities to Vietnam: “Economic pressures will push Vietnam to take stronger actions to move forward. In its integration process, Vietnam has realized that internal strength is vital for development. We must reinforce the strength of the national economy and domestic businesses because no country can develop relying merely on external resources.”

Vietnam’s real estate market is improving and will likely become the most attractive destination in Southeast Asia for foreign investors. Dragon Capital President Dominic Scriven says that Vietnam’s securities market will go up with  net profit growth estimated at 19% in 2017.

Determination to reform institutions and policies
Institutional reform and improvements in the business climate will create a momentum for the private sector to become the main driving force for the economy in 2017. Businesses also expect more favorable conditions as the Government has proved its resolve to promote the restructuring of public investment, the state budget and public debt, and fight corruption and wastefulness. 

“Vietnam has climbed 9 notches in the World Bank Doing Business 2017 report and moved up in the World Economic Forum’s ranking of the international trade environment. Improvements have been seen in streamlining import-export procedures. 

The Prime Minister has repeatedly committed himself to raising Vietnam’s economic competitiveness, building a state that supports and cooperates with businesses and creating a government of integrity”, said economist Le Dang Doanh.  

VOV5

Other News

SBV raises short-term capital lending cap to 40%

SBV raises short-term capital lending cap to 40%

The new circular will help credit institutions have more room to provide capital to businesses and investment projects to support high economic growth in the next few years, while increasing flexibility in the SBV’s monetary policy management.

Business confidence in Vietnam rebounds strongly: UOB

Business confidence in Vietnam rebounds strongly: UOB

The study found that 85% of Vietnamese enterprises reported positive business sentiment, a sharp increase from 48% in 2025, when business confidence was weighed down by uncertainties surrounding US tariff policies and related trade developments.

Bac Ninh seeks high-quality foreign investment for sustainable growth

Bac Ninh seeks high-quality foreign investment for sustainable growth

According to Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Pham Van Thinh, the province aims to maintain stable and sustainable growth, improve the competitiveness of both the economy and local businesses, and make better use of free trade agreements (FTAs) to expand and diversify export markets.

Green building trend flourishes in Ho Chi Minh City's real estate landscape

Green building trend flourishes in Ho Chi Minh City's real estate landscape

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) highlighted the city's dominance in green-certified building floor space in Vietnam, reflecting the rapid expansion of the green building market with 780 completed green buildings encompassing over 18.69 million sq.m by 2025, predominantly certified by EDGE and LEED.

UK supports Vietnam in wind power and green finance development

UK supports Vietnam in wind power and green finance development

The United Kingdom officially announced two new climate cooperation initiatives to support Vietnam in its energy transition and green growth journey. These programs focus on offshore wind power development and the creation of a sustainable green financial ecosystem.

Ample room remains for Vietnam–India logistics cooperation

Ample room remains for Vietnam–India logistics cooperation

The GTTCI expert noted that alongside logistics and integrated warehousing, e-commerce is expected to be a particularly high-growth sector in the coming years. He described it as a multi-billion-dollar market with significant untapped opportunities for cooperation between Vietnam and India.

Exports gain momentum from high-tech growth drivers

Exports gain momentum from high-tech growth drivers

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam’s exports reached 215.66 billion USD in the first five months of 2026, up 19.5% year-on-year. Twenty-six export items generated more than 1 billion USD in revenue each, including seven with turnover exceeding 10 billion USD.

Vietnam–China crossings see spike in ASEAN fresh produce

Vietnam–China crossings see spike in ASEAN fresh produce

Since the start of the summer harvest season, China's two major border gates with Vietnam, Youyi Guan in Pingxiang and Beilun 2 Bridge in Dongxing, have entered their peak period for handling imports of fresh agricultural and seafood products from member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Cargo handling operations at Berths 3 and 4 of the Hai Phong International Gateway Port. (Photo: VNA)

AI reshapes logistics, raising bar for workforce skills

According to the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA), the logistics sector will require around 2.2 million workers by 2030, including 1.6 million employees for logistics service providers and nearly 600,000 personnel supporting logistics operations in manufacturing and trading enterprises.

Robust dispute resolution framework key to Vietnam's IFC ambitions

Robust dispute resolution framework key to Vietnam's IFC ambitions

The development strategy for VIFC-HCMC envisions a comprehensive financial ecosystem encompassing green finance, carbon credits, financial technology (fintech), blockchain technology, digital assets, digital banking and other innovative business models. These highly internationalised sectors involve complex cross-border transactions and sophisticated legal structures.