Agriculture has long been the backbone of Vietnam’s economy for a number of comparative advantages, such as cultivated land, forest cover, sea territories, tropical climate, and available and cost effective labour, according to Surajit Rakshit, head of Global Trade and Receivables Finance, HSBC Vietnam.

Many reputable international organisations have shown their optimism about Vietnamese economic outlook, predicting that the country can complete its GDP growth target of 6.5% this year.

The State budget's revenues from export-import activities hit over VND152.94 trillion (US$6.5 billion) in the first five months of this year, making up 36% of the estimate, down 18% year on year, the General Department of Vietnam Customs (GDVC) reported on June 7.

Vietnam remains an attractive market for retailers as local consumers remain optimistic about the economic challenges and are driving premium purchases.

VinaCapital, Vietnam’s most diversified asset manager, and A.P. Moller Capital, a global fund manager focused on high growth markets, have set up a joint platform to grow and scale investments in transportation and logistics infrastructure in Vietnam.

The engagement of the private sector in green and sustainable growth is crucial for Vietnam to complete its target of achieving net-zero emission and raising the green economy scale to US$300 billion in the total national GDP value in 2050, according to experts.

Standard Chartered Bank has lowered Vietnam’s 2023 GDP growth forecast to 6.5% from the previous 7.2% in its recent macro-economic updates about the country.

After a sluggish GDP performance in the first quarter this year, Vietnam is still not out of the woods yet. In particular, it has not seen the light at the end of the tunnel on the trade front, according to an HSBC report.

Developing 1.5 million businesses by 2025 is one of the key goals set by the government’s Resolution No 58 dated April 21 which addresses key policies and solutions to help businesses adapt to new circumstances and quickly recover by 2025.

Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai has emphasised the need to clear all roadblocks and clarify the responsibilities of the persons concerned to accelerate public investment disbursement.