(VOVWORLD) - Vietnam’s economy during the 2021-2025 period has achieved remarkable results despite global instability, epidemics, and natural disasters, according to the draft report for the 14th National Party Congress, titled “Assessment of the five-year implementation of the 10-year socio-economic development strategy for 2021–2030”. These achievements are the driving force for Vietnam to obtain double-digit growth in the 2026-2030 period and to become a developed, high-income country by 2045.
 Associate Professor Dr. Tran Hoang Ngan, National Assembly deputy for Ho Chi Minh City (photo: Thanh Trung/ VOV) |
The draft report says Vietnam recorded an average GDP growth of 6.3% from 2021-2025 and GDP per capita in 2025 is estimated to be 5,000 USD, 1.4 times higher than in 2020, placing Vietnam among the upper-middle-income group.
Impressive growth during 2021–2025
Associate Professor Dr. Tran Hoang Ngan, National Assembly deputy for Ho Chi Minh City, said Vietnam’s public debt at the end of 2025 will be about 36% of GDP (the warning threshold is 60%). This is a positive signal reflecting effective fiscal management which has strengthened the confidence of investors and international organizations in Vietnam’s financial stability. He said consolidating major economic balances and maintaining a low budget deficit are crucial to ensuring sufficient resources for development investment.
“The budget deficit is low, just 3.2% of GDP, giving us room to increase investment spending. We first aimed to invest 106 billion USD in development, but by the end of this term we will have disbursed 136 billion USD for infrastructure development. This is a great success. Thanks to this, we have built expressways, coastal roads, seaports, airports, major belt roads such as Hanoi’s Ring Road 4 and Ho Chi Minh City’s Ring Road 3, and many educational and healthcare facilities,” Mr. Ngan said.
Vietnam’s science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation sectors have also made strong progress. The 2025 Global Innovation Index ranks Vietnam 44th of 139 countries and territories. Digital infrastructure has expanded nationwide, and now 100% of communes and wards have fiber-optic broadband. Vietnam’s mobile Internet speed ranks in the world’s top 20. E-commerce has been growing rapidly at an average of 20% per year. These achievements are the result of consistent macroeconomic management over the past five years.
Nguyen Huu Son, Chairman of the ATS Group, said: “We’ve seen tremendous efforts from the Government to create favorable conditions for enterprises. That’s truly commendable. In the fintech sector, I see Vietnam’s strong potential and rapid growth keeping pace with global trends of digital and financial technologies.”
With the consistent goal of rapid, sustainable development, Vietnam’s economic achievements have been reflected in social progress and human advancement. The draft report says human development in Vietnam has made significant progress in stature, physical health, and education. The happiness index has risen from 83rd in 2020 to 46th in 2025, an improvement of 37 places. Vietnam’s Human Development Index has improved markedly, far surpassing other countries with a similar income level.
Economist Dr. Le Duy Binh said: “People’s access to basic services has improved. Issues of sustainable development, climate change, and environmental protection are always prioritized in the development process. Our growth model is not just about economic expansion, it is people-centered and environment-centered, focusing on future generations to achieve sustainable growth and leave a healthy environment for our descendants.”
 The 2025 Global Innovation Index ranks Vietnam 44th of 139 countries and territories. (Illustrative photo)
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Confidence in development
The draft report draws an important lesson that “All policies and guidelines must stem from the legitimate aspirations, interests, and happiness of the people; rekindle the spirit of dedication to the nation; and promote self-reliance, innovation, decisive action, and accountability for the common good.”
Luu Thi Thanh Mau, Vice President of the Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs Association, said: “With the e-Government action program, national digitalization, and enhanced local capacity, I believe the Government will swiftly implement Politburo Resolutions 66 and 68. The enforcement and implementation of policies will drive Vietnam’s economic growth. As the General Secretary said, this is the era for Vietnam to rise. We will work together to build a dynamic economy and help Vietnam become one of the world’s leading economies.”
The draft report also points out pending issues during the 2021–2025 period, including low productivity and low competitiveness compared to other regional countries. Its major economic achievements, however, will still give Vietnam a strong momentum as it enters a new era of prosperity, happiness, integration, and self-reliance.