Vietnam posts 8.2% GDP growth in H1 2026 amid surge in foreign investment

Vietnam’s economy accelerated in the first half of 2026, with gross domestic product expanding 8.18% year‑on‑year – the strongest pace since 2011. Foreign direct investment inflows reached US$34.65 billion, a 61% increase from the previous year, and disbursements hit US$13.03 billion, the highest half‑year level in five years. The country recorded five export categories each exceeding US$10 billion, accounting for 62.6% of total exports, while international arrivals rose 14.9% to 12.3 million visitors.

Manufacturing activity remained upbeat, with the PMI at 51.8 in June. Authorities uncovered economic violations worth about US$1.7 billion, prompting recovery measures. The government launched several social‑policy initiatives, including free chip‑enabled bus cards in Hanoi and subsidies for myopia treatment for residents aged 18‑35.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the newly planned Cai Mep Ha free‑zone complex aims to integrate port, logistics, industrial and digital services on more than 3,800 ha, positioning the city as a regional maritime hub. The city also secured high‑tech foreign projects, such as an US$8 million automation plant by Ito Vietnam and a US$12.6 million smart‑manufacturing line by Worldon Vietnam. Infrastructure upgrades continue with the Ho Chi Minh City–Long Thanh Expressway expansion, a US$570 million project widening the road to up to ten lanes and adding a new five‑lane bridge, slated for completion by late 2026.

The 2026 economic survey revealed nearly 6.3 million enterprises employing over 30 million workers, highlighting the pivotal role of the private sector in Vietnam’s growth trajectory.