Vietnam economy shows stability with record FDI and strong exports

Vietnam's economy maintained stability through the first eight months of 2026, characterized by strong growth in several key sectors. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) reached a record $40.63 billion in registered capital, a 55.4% increase compared to the previous year, with manufacturing remaining the primary driver. Export activities also saw significant gains, reaching $374.84 billion, up 22.4% year-on-year.

In the financial sector, banking liquidity has improved as VND capital mobilization growth (8.77%) began to outpace credit growth (8.38%) for the first time in a significant period. Credit growth in major regions like Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai reached 9% compared to late 2025, with notable increases in manufacturing and construction sectors.

However, the corporate landscape shows mixed results. While many sectors are expanding, some companies face severe financial distress; for instance, BNP Global reported a record half-year loss of nearly 793 billion VND, leading to negative equity. Additionally, authorities are actively addressing tax compliance by targeting 'ghost companies' and managing significant tax debts across various industries.