WB revises up Vietnam's 2025 GDP growth to 6.8%, FDI to stay strong

The World Bank has raised its Vietnam GDP growth forecast for 2025 to 6.8%, according to the bank's biannual economic report "Taking Stock" released Tuesday.

The figure is higher than the 6.6% predicted in its January edition of the “Global Economic Prospects” report, but lower than the country's target of at least 8%.

The WB clarified that a rebound in exports, powered by the global demand for technology products, supported growth in 2024. But for 2025, the momentum is expected to slow down.

The main uncertainties to the growth this year stem from slower-than-expected global growth and trade disruptions, particularly among Vietnam's major trade partners.

Foreign investment and trade turnover are expected to remain important drivers of growth for Vietnam over 2025–2026. FDI inflows are expected to remain stable in the short- to medium-terms, reflecting foreign investors’ sustained interest in Vietnam, the bank highlighted.

For 2026, the WB anticipated Vietnam's economic growth at 6.5%.

In February, Suan Teck Kin, head of research at UOB, said his growth forecast for Vietnam for 2025 is 7%.

In the same month, Tim Leelahaphan, senior economist, Vietnam and Thailand, Standard Chartered Bank, noted that Vietnam's economic expansion is expected to reach 6.7% this year (7.5% in H1 and 6.1% in H2), driven by continued business expansion this year and beyond, with foreign investment playing a key role.

Moody's Ratings stated that Vietnam can reach a real GDP growth of 6.5-7% in 2025, the highest tally in the region. It said challenges for Vietnam include potential shifts in the U.S. trade policies and the possible imposition of restrictions on trade by the United States.