Vietnam’s economy is set to grow 7.8% this year, the fastest rate projected in Southeast Asia. VnExpress reported that the revised forecast, published on September 22, is 0.6 percentage points above the ADB’s April estimate. 

The bank cited resilient domestic consumption and continued foreign direct investment (FDI) as key drivers. Vietnam’s GDP expanded 8.2% in the first half of 2026, accelerating from 7.5% during the same period last year, with growth recorded across all major sectors.

Registered FDI reached nearly $40.6bn by the end of August, up more than 55% year on year. Newly registered investment almost doubled to about $22bn.

Domestic demand has also remained firm. Retail sales and consumer service revenue increased by more than 13% in the first eight months, while growth after adjusting for inflation stood at 7.6%.

The ADB said investment remains the main engine of economic expansion, supported by public spending, FDI and private-sector capital directed towards large infrastructure projects.

More than VND513.3 trillion ($19.7bn) in public investment had been disbursed by early September, representing 50.2% of the annual target.

The bank said major Vietnamese companies are also becoming increasingly involved in urban and infrastructure projects, with significant bank financing expected to support construction and near-term growth.

However, heavier reliance on bank lending could increase liquidity, maturity and credit-concentration risks. The ADB said long-term growth will depend partly on whether infrastructure projects deliver higher productivity and enough cash flow to service associated debt.

External risks remain, including volatile global trade, geopolitical tensions and higher energy prices, which could weigh on exports, investment and inflation.

The ADB forecasts inflation at 4.3% this year, easing to 4% in 2027, while GDP growth is projected at about 7.6% next year.

Elsewhere in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is forecast to grow 5.2%, followed by Singapore at 5% and Malaysia at 4.9%.