Processing prawns for export. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — International press agencies have published positive and optimistic assessments of Việt Nam’s economic performance, highlighting its strong growth momentum, stable macroeconomic fundamentals and long-term development prospects.

AFP reported that Việt Nam’s economy grew 8.4 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, exceeding the previous forecast of 7 per cent. In the first half of the year, GDP expanded 8.2 per cent, with industry and construction remaining key drivers of growth, alongside a recovery in manufacturing activity and domestic demand.

AFP quoted Standre Bezuidenhout of international law firm DFDL as saying Việt Nam had demonstrated its ability to turn geopolitical, and supply-chain shifts into opportunities to attract investment.

He noted that Việt Nam continued to attract manufacturing activity, deepen trade integration and strengthen its position as a reliable destination for investment flows.

The growth momentum was also reflected in trade and foreign investment. AFP reported that Việt Nam’s exports reached US$266.5 billion in the first six months of 2026, up 21 per cent year-on-year, while foreign investment rose 61 per cent to $34.65 billion.

In a recent article citing a Standard Chartered report, Xinhua reported that the bank forecast Việt Nam’s GDP to grow 9.5 per cent in 2026 and 11 per cent in 2027. Standard Chartered also lowered its 2026 inflation forecast for Việt Nam to 4.4 per cent, saying monetary policy could continue to support growth while keeping inflation under control.

Tim Leelahaphan, Standard Chartered’s senior economist for Thailand and Việt Nam, said the Vietnamese economy had demonstrated strong resilience in the first half of 2026. Growth was driven by manufacturing, services and investment, supported by policies aimed at promoting economic expansion.

Against a backdrop of continued global economic uncertainty and inflationary pressures, Leelahaphan said Việt Nam was entering the final months of 2026 from a strong position, underpinned by robust domestic demand, continued investment in infrastructure and production capacity, and an ongoing economic transformation. These factors are expected to support the country’s long-term development goals. — VNA/VNS