He said economic diplomacy in 2025 achieved important, transformative results, creating momentum for growth. He stressed that from 2026 onward, Vietnam must target double-digit economic growth, requiring stronger efforts and breakthroughs from all sectors, localities, and overseas missions.

The Prime Minister called on ministries, businesses, localities, and diplomatic missions to fully implement Party and State policies, particularly those stemming from the upcoming 14th National Party Congress and strategic Politburo resolutions.

Key priorities for 2026 include international cooperation in science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, green transition, and sustainable development, which PM Chinh described as both a top priority and an objective necessity. He highlighted sustainable energy, smart urban development, tourism, and efforts to attract major technology corporations and overseas Vietnamese scientists, while boosting Vietnamese firms’ participation in global value chains.

The PM also urged revitalization of traditional growth drivers, diversification of markets, products, and supply chains, and stronger engagement with emerging markets in the Middle East, Africa, and South America. He called for the early conclusion of new free trade agreements, including with Bangladesh, Pakistan, African partners, and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur).

Expanding cooperation with major and traditional partners in fields such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and semiconductors was flagged as crucial, alongside firm protection of Vietnam’s legitimate interests in international trade.

The Prime Minister also directed decisive support for businesses, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises, to expand investment and access international markets. He proposed building a comprehensive ecosystem covering banking, logistics, human resources, legal frameworks, and collaboration with global technology leaders.

Several ambassadors were given specific tasks, including seeking early US recognition of Vietnam’s market economy status, removal from high-tech export restriction lists, promoting cross-border railway projects with China, advancing the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project with Russia, and working with the European Commission and regional partners to address illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

PM Chinh instructed the Ministry of Industry and Trade to finalise a programme supporting Vietnamese enterprises in global expansion, strengthen international connectivity to attract long-term investments, and enhance operations of the upcoming international financial centre and free trade zones.

In 2025, Vietnam conducted 75 major external activities led by key officials, upgraded relations with 17 countries, and signed 350 cooperation agreements — more than double the number in 2024. These efforts boosted international connectivity, mobilised resources for socio-economic development, and enhanced resilience to global economic fluctuations.

Vietnam set to retain strong FDI inflows in 2026 on macro stability

VOV.VN - Vietnam is expected to maintain solid foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in 2026, backed by macroeconomic stability, strong long-term growth potential, and its expanding role in global supply chains, according to economists.