The event featured in-depth presentations and a panel discussion on global, regional and Vietnam market dynamics. Speakers highlighted the importance of monitoring inflation trends, policy developments, currency movements and capital flows, particularly for a fast-integrating market such as Vietnam.

Vietnam’s outlook continues to be supported by sustained foreign direct investment and a more mature public investment cycle. The country’s external position remains resilient, backed by robust trade performance and a stable foreign exchange outlook. Following earlier pressures from US dollar strength, foreign exchange reserves are expected to recover, reflecting improving macroeconomic conditions and more balanced trade dynamics.

In her opening remarks, Nguyen Thuy Hanh, CEO and Head of Banking & Coverage at Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam, reflected on Vietnam’s performance in 2025 and its medium-term prospects.

“Vietnam’s growth in 2025 demonstrated resilient domestic capacity, supported by a competitive manufacturing sector and the adaptability of its business community. While we remain positive on Vietnam’s medium-term prospects, 2026 will require continued vigilance. Our commitment remains unchanged: to combine our global strength with deep local expertise to support our clients and partners as they grow their businesses through different stages of the economic cycle,” she said.

Commenting on the global outlook, Edward Lee, Chief Economist and Head of FX, ASEAN and South Asia at Standard Chartered Bank, said that “global growth in 2026 is set to remain broadly steady at 3.4%, unchanged from 2025. Asia’s growth may moderate but is expected to remain faster than other regions. Global trade and investment flows are anticipated to stay relatively resilient. The focus in 2026 will be on policy calibration and macroeconomic management as economies move into a more mature phase of the cycle.”

For Vietnam, Tim Leelahaphan, Senior Economist for Vietnam and Thailand at Standard Chartered Bank, said Vietnam is expected to remain one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia, supported by manufacturing competitiveness, resilient export performance, continued FDI inflows and improving domestic demand.

While the government’s focus on supporting growth may allow for relatively accommodative monetary conditions in the near term, tighter global financial conditions and ongoing trade-related developments could contribute to exchange rate volatility. The USD-VND exchange rate is forecast at 26,750 by the end of 2026, he said.

With more than 120 years of presence in Vietnam, Standard Chartered has been part of the country’s development journey. Operating across 54 of the world’s most dynamic markets, the bank brings international expertise and experience across Asia, Africa and the Middle East to Vietnam, contributing to the development of the financial services sector and supporting clients’ business growth.

Standard Chartered expands Hong Kong – Vietnam ties with four new MOUs

VOV.VN - Standard Chartered said on October 8 that it has signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) in Vietnam to deepen cooperation across relevant business opportunities with a shared vision to foster Hong Kong-Vietnam corridor business.