Vietnam concluded 2025 with GDP growth of 8.02%, among the strongest in the region, against a global backdrop of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, disrupted trade routes, evolving U.S. tariff measures, and persistent cost pressures. Growth was supported by resilient exports, sustained foreign investment, accelerated public investment, and macroeconomic stability. More importantly, the year demonstrated Vietnam’s ability not only to navigate external headwinds, but also to strengthen its foundations for the next stage of growth.
2026 marks the beginning of a new development phase toward 2030, with Vietnam setting a more ambitious economic agenda. The focus is increasingly shifting from the pace of growth to its quality, with greater emphasis on productivity, innovation, and higher-value participation in global value chains. At the same time, an increasingly challenging external environment, marked by rising geopolitical tensions, stricter trade requirements, and intensifying global competition, is further accelerating the urgency of economic upgrading and institutional reform.
For investors, this means Vietnam remains an attractive destination for both familiar and evolving reasons. The country continues to offer a stable economic environment, export advantages, a large and young workforce, and broad market access through through deep integration into global trade networks. At the same time, Vietnam is actively building on these established strengths to create a higher-value investment environment. Efforts to modernise institutions, streamline administration, strengthen regulatory quality, and improve implementation effectiveness are increasingly becoming central to the country’s competitiveness.
This transformation is also reflected in an active regulatory agenda throughout 2025. New laws and amendments introduced changes across investment, taxation, and business compliance. While these developments create new considerations for investors, they also reflect Vietnam’s continued efforts to build a more transparent, efficient, and internationally aligned business environment.
It is in this context that Doing Business in Vietnam 2026 has been prepared. We hope this guide provides practical insight to help investors and businesses navigate change, identify opportunities, and participate in Vietnam’s next phase of development.
This year's guide provides practical insights into the latest economic developments, policy reforms, and market trends shaping Vietnam’s next phase of growth. Key highlights include:
- Vietnam’s economic outlook: An overview of macroeconomic performance, trade dynamics, FDI trends, and the outlook for 2026.
- Investment climate and institutional reforms: Updates on administrative restructuring, governance reforms, investment priorities, and the evolving regulatory environment.
- Emerging growth sectors: Opportunities across high-tech manufacturing, semiconductors, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and other priority industries.
- Capital markets and International Financial Centre (IFC): Recent capital market reforms, IPO developments, and Vietnam’s strategy to become a regional financial hub.
- Establishing and operating in Vietnam: Practical guidance on market entry options, business establishment, accounting, audit, taxation, and labour regulations.
- Green transition and sustainable development: Key ESG developments, renewable energy opportunities, and Vietnam’s pathway towards sustainable economic growth.
Doing Business in Vietnam 2025
