Vietnam's AI-fueled economic boom drives hiring surge and foreign investment

Vietnam's economy expanded by about 8 % in 2025, the fastest growth rate in Southeast Asia, and foreign direct investment reached $34.65 billion in the first half of 2026 – a 61 % year‑on‑year increase. The surge has attracted Swiss manufacturers and other multinationals seeking a "China+1" production base, turning the country into a strategic hub for global supply chains.

The labour market reflects the boom: hiring in manufacturing and engineering rose 70 % year‑on‑year, with firms competing for specialists in artificial intelligence, generative AI, data science, cloud computing, cybersecurity and semiconductors. Adecco Vietnam reports a 32 % rise in recruitment requests in the second quarter of 2026. Government reforms, a World Development Report by the World Bank highlighting AI's growth potential, and near‑universal 5G coverage (92 % of the population) – with plans for 6G – underpin Vietnam's push toward a digital, high‑tech economy.