Vietnam PM sets out reforms to bolster economic resilience

Vietnam will reinforce its domestic economy and widen overseas partnerships to navigate mounting global uncertainty, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung said at the 2026 Autumn Economic Forum. Speaking in Ho Chi Minh City on Oct. 28, he set out five priorities spanning economic stability, institutional changes, infrastructure, education and foreign relations.

During a discussion with World Economic Forum CEO Stephan Mergenthaler, Hung said maintaining social and political stability would underpin confidence. He put public debt at around 34% of GDP, saying this allowed scope for assistance to businesses and households facing economic shocks, alongside continued development spending.

Hung said Vietnam would tackle regulatory obstacles for investors and businesses while bringing its laws into closer alignment with international practices. Infrastructure efforts would cover ports and transport, alongside energy and other essential facilities. Investment would be sought selectively, prioritising the transfer of technology and workforce development.

He described strategic autonomy as the domestic strength needed to take independent decisions and choose partners in line with national interests, while respecting those of other countries. Vietnam would diversify critical supply chains and draw on 18 signed free trade agreements to reach additional markets and attract technology, knowledge and capital, he said.

For 2035, Hung outlined ambitions for Vietnam to emerge as a hub in digital technology, green agriculture, and new and green energy. He also called on overseas investors to build long-term partnerships with Vietnamese companies, universities and research institutes, cooperating on skills, technology and supplier networks.