Vietnam GDP Hits 8.02%: MOIT Exceeds Expectations
GDP Landscape: MOIT Fulfilled Tasks Better Than Expected
This is the opinion of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thuong Lang when assessing the role of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) in Vietnam’s GDP growth mission.
Economic Drivers and Inflation Control According to data published by the General Statistics Office (Ministry of Planning and Investment) and Ministry of Finance, in 2025, Vietnam’s GDP increased by 8.02% compared to 2024, placing it among the high-growth group in ASEAN and among the top-performing economies globally.
As the global economy continues to fluctuate, trade tensions rise, and US reciprocal tax policies create additional pressure, Vietnam’s growth of over 8% is considered a notable bright spot. On average, in the 2021–2025 period, GDP increased by approximately 6.3% per year, higher than the 6.2% of the previous term.
Speaking with Industry and Trade Newspaper, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thuong Lang, Senior Lecturer at the School of Trade and International Economics (National Economics University), assessed that 2025 was a very successful period for Vietnam’s economy.
From the beginning of the year, there were many opinions expressing skepticism about the ability to achieve 8% growth. However, by year-end, the figure of 8.02% became a reality, demonstrating the effectiveness of mobilizing and coordinating growth drivers under the leadership of the Party and State.
The Four Pillars of Growth:
- Public Investment: 2025 recorded the drastic implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects. North-South expressways, airports, seaports, social housing projects, and the power transmission system were accelerated. Public investment created a large spillover effect.
- Domestic Consumption: With a population of over 100 million, along with wage reform and personal income tax adjustments, domestic purchasing power improved significantly.
- Private & Foreign Investment (FDI): Registered FDI reached USD 38.42 billion (+0.5%). Notably, realized FDI was estimated at USD 27.62 billion, the highest level in the past 5 years, reflecting investor confidence.
- Import-Export: Total turnover reached USD 930.05 billion, an increase of 18.2%. This figure approaches the USD 1 trillion mark previously expected only in the medium term.
New Drivers & Stability:
- Digital & Green Transition: Digital transformation simplified procedures, while green transition helped Vietnam maintain its position in the global value chain amidst strict environmental standards.
- Inflation (CPI): Average CPI in 2025 increased by 3.33%, well within the National Assembly’s target of under 4%.
- Monetary Policy: Interest rates were adjusted appropriately; the exchange rate remained stable, supporting both exports and imports.
MOIT’s Imprint on Market Regulation In the 2025 growth picture, the role of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) was clearly demonstrated, especially in import-export, industrial production, and market regulation. According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thuong Lang, MOIT completed its tasks with results higher than initial expectations.
Exceeding Targets: The import-export strategy submitted by MOIT and approved set a turnover target of approximately USD 800 billion for 2025. The actual achievement of USD 933 billion shows that the management identified the correct “touchpoint” for trade growth. This is clear evidence of the effectiveness of the orientations and solutions the Ministry deployed.
Strategic Actions:
- Supply Chain: MOIT focused on building and consolidating supply chains and promoting exports.
- Domestic Market: Paid due attention to creating a balance between exports and domestic consumption.
- Standards: Guided businesses to meet green transition and digital transformation standards to maintain competitiveness.
- Production: Simplified administrative procedures and removed unsuitable regulations to facilitate industrial production.
Given the specific characteristic of managing economic sectors that account for a large proportion of GDP, MOIT’s role is pivotal to growth.
Future Outlook: “The task for MOIT in the coming time is to effectively convert external forces into internal strength. Increasing the localization rate and the level of utilizing incentives from FTAs is an important room for growth. If executed well, import-export turnover can completely surpass the USD 1 trillion milestone in 2026,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thuong Lang assessed.
MOIT’s operating mechanism is also evaluated as close and flexible, strengthening dialogue with the business community through forums and specialized exhibitions like the Autumn Fair 2025.
Conclusion: The GDP growth of 8.02% in 2025 is the result of the convergence of many important drivers. In which, MOIT’s role is clearly shown through effective market management and promotion of industrial production and trade. These results not only create a foundation for sustainable growth in subsequent years but also set requirements for continued policy innovation and improved management quality in the coming period.
