World Bank projects Vietnam's economic growth at 6.8% in 2025

Vietnam’s real GDP is projected to grow 6.8 per cent in 2025 and 6.5 per cent in 2026, according to the World Bank’s latest economic update report for Vietnam –Taking Stock. Taking Stock is the World Bank’s biannual economic report on Vietnam, providing insights into the country’s economic outlook and strategies for growth.

A rebound in exports, powered by the global demand for technology products, it supported growth in 2024. However, the momentum is expected to slow this year. The main uncertainties to the growth outlook stem from slower-than-expected global growth and trade disruptions, particularly among Vietnam’s major trading partners.

To navigate growing uncertainties, the report recommends strategies to sustain growth, including ramping up public investment, addressing financial sector vulnerabilities, strengthening energy resilience, and pushing forward with structural reforms.

“Vietnam is projected to maintain robust economic growth over the next two years, but it can use its fiscal space to better prepare for heightened uncertainties,” said Mariam J Sherman, World Bank director for Vietnam, Cambodia and Lao PDR. “Growth-enhancing public investment, especially in urban, transport, and energy infrastructure will be critical, provided the authorities can both scale it up and ensure that spending is efficient.”

The report, titled ‘Electrifying Journeys: E-mobility Transition in Vietnam’, highlights Vietnam’s push toward e-mobility as a key step in creating a greener transport sector and reducing local air pollution. In 2021, transport accounted for 32.9 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent (CO2e) emissions, or 7.2 per cent of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve its 2050 net-zero target, Vietnam will need to prioritise vehicle electrification.