According to a report from the Ministry of Finance, Vietnam's economy delivered encouraging results during the first half of 2026 despite continued uncertainty in the global economy.

Gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by an estimated 8.18% in the first six months of the year, the fastest first-half growth since 2011. Average consumer price inflation (CPI) rose 4.38%, remaining within the government's target range. As of July 8, state budget revenue had reached nearly VND 1.62 quadrillion (USD 62 billion), equivalent to 64.24% of the annual target, while public investment disbursement totaled nearly VND 357 trillion (USD 13.7 billion), or 35.5% of the year's plan.

However, the ministry also warned that inflationary pressures remain significant, public investment disbursement has fallen short of expectations, the trade deficit remains elevated, many households continue to face financial difficulties, and natural disasters, drought and saltwater intrusion continue to threaten sustainable development.

Government targets stronger growth

The Ministry of Finance said the government has adopted an economic growth scenario designed to achieve double-digit expansion while maintaining average inflation at approximately 4.5%.

To achieve those goals, the government will continue improving the effectiveness of policy implementation under the guiding principle of "action, action and action," turning political commitment into concrete results while emphasizing accountability at every level of government.

In macroeconomic management, Vietnam will continue coordinating fiscal, monetary and other macroeconomic policies to improve businesses' access to financing, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Authorities will also support companies in expanding market access, accelerating digital transformation, meeting green standards and integrating into global supply chains.

The government will maintain strict budget discipline while continuing tax exemptions, reductions and payment deferrals where appropriate. Public resources will be prioritized for development investment, science and technology, education, healthcare and strategic infrastructure, while authorities aim to disburse 100% of planned public investment this year.

Officials also plan to implement measures to stabilize interest rates and exchange rates while ensuring sufficient liquidity across the economy. Credit will continue to be directed toward manufacturing, exports, priority sectors and key national projects, alongside efforts to develop a safer, more transparent and efficient capital market.

The government will strengthen price and market supervision, crack down on speculation, hoarding, market manipulation and unreasonable price increases, while ensuring adequate supplies of electricity and fuel under all circumstances.

Supporting production and investment

To strengthen production, trade and exports, the government will accelerate major industrial projects, leverage the role of large domestic enterprises, state-owned companies and foreign-invested businesses in developing domestic supply chains, attract high-quality foreign direct investment (FDI), and promote the production, domestic consumption and export of agricultural, forestry and seafood products.

Authorities also plan to expand the domestic market, stimulate tourism alongside consumer spending, diversify export markets, supply sources, transport routes and investment partners, maximize the benefits of free trade agreements (FTAs), strengthen domestic manufacturing, reduce the trade deficit and promote the sustainable development of the real estate market.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the government will continue improving institutions and the business environment by reviewing and simplifying administrative procedures while reducing logistics costs.

Vietnam will also accelerate science and technology development, innovation and digital transformation, continue streamlining the administrative system and address implementation challenges associated with the country's new two-tier local government model.

Beyond economic priorities, the government will continue investing in culture, social welfare and the development of a highly skilled workforce. It aims to provide free periodic health check-ups for the entire population by the end of 2026, strengthen disaster preparedness, reinforce national defense and security, intensify anti-corruption efforts, and continue preparations for hosting APEC 2027.

Nguyen Le