According to Professor Carl Thayer, Australian Defence Force Academy, University of New South Wales, Vietnamese economic diplomacy in 2025 is deployed synchronously in four major directions.
First, Vietnam continues to consolidate and effectively exploit the network of free trade agreements signed with ASEAN, the European Union (EU), as well as important multilateral frameworks such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The deeper exploitation of these agreements contributes to improving the resilience of the supply chain and increasing the level of linkage of the Vietnamese economy with the region and the world.
Second, Vietnam promotes upgrading foreign relations, establishing new strategic partners, and deepening economic cooperation with existing comprehensive strategic partners.
Third, Vietnam proactively expands trade relations with emerging markets in the Middle East, South America and Africa, thereby diversifying export markets and reducing dependence on some traditional markets.
Fourth, Vietnam maintains the momentum of domestic reform to encourage the development of the private sector and the dual transition to a green economy and a circular economy. Notably, in 2025, Vietnam implemented 3 large-scale infrastructure investment phases in April, August and December, focusing on transportation, energy and digital infrastructure. This is considered an important material foundation to attract high-quality investment and improve national competitiveness in the coming years.
Regarding regional position, the results of Vietnam's economic diplomacy are clearly recognized by the international community. The 2025 Asian Strength Index of the Lowy Institute ranks Vietnam 12th out of 27 countries and territories surveyed, with the assessment that Vietnam is having positive growth momentum and is likely to improve its ranking in the coming time. Notably, for the first time, this index is included in the "economic leadership capacity" measurement criterion - reflecting the effectiveness of national leaders in promoting economic benefits globally, and Vietnam is ranked fourth, only after China, Singapore and Japan.
Vietnam's GDP growth in 2025 reached an impressive 8.02%, consolidating the goal of becoming a developing country with modern industry and high middle-income by 2030.
To realize this goal, Vietnam identifies to continue transforming the growth model based on science, technology and innovation, and at the same time implement "4 transformations" including digital transformation, green transformation, energy transformation and human resource transformation, along with "2 transitions" which are circular economy and green economy.
According to Professor Carl Thayer, there are many key tasks set for Vietnam in the coming time such as continuing to reform and develop key political and legal institutions; building the Party; perfecting the socialist-oriented market economy institution; promoting science, technology, innovation and digital transformation; sustainable development of human resources, culture and society; and strengthening national defense, security and foreign affairs. In parallel with that are 3 strategic breakthroughs: Modernizing the legal system to serve digital transformation and new economic models; training high-quality human resources for innovation; and developing a modern, synchronous infrastructure system, deeply linked to the region and the world.
