Vietnam - world’s top emerging economy: experts

According to the article citing the World Bank’s recent report, the Vietnamese Government’s efforts have been paid off as its trade liberalisation opened the door to new agreements, lowering taxes for international commerce operations, and increasing regional competitiveness. To date, the Southeast Asian country has successfully inked 16 bilateral and multilateral free trade deals. Also, it has become a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the Eurasian Customs Union.

Eliminating excessive controls and providing a clearer framework for doing businesses in several key industries have played a crucial role in boosting the country’s business development.

The article mentioned new challenges for the country when the number of businesses keeps growing and the economy’s scale continues expanding. It said that Vietnam should pay due attention to education with a view to elevating quality standards, and infrastructure investments which help supply more energy and improve connectivity within the country. 

Last month, World Economic Forum (WEF) President Borge Brende praised Vietnam’s economic performance at the Vietnam Business Summit. He pointed out the positive impact of the numerous economic reforms implemented by the government over the last few years to reduce debt and stabilize public finance, the writing said.

According to Vietnamese Minister of Finance Dinh Tien Dung, the country’s public debt had risen to 64 percent between 2011 and 2015; however, thanks to latest reforms, debt is expected to decrease to 60 percent in three years (from now). In addition, Vietnam reached an economic growth peak for the decade at 6.8 percent, outperforming its target of 6.7 percent. 

Brende said that Vietnam could benefit from the creation of a friendly environment for innovative technologies like the Internet of Things, blockchain and crypto. Countries that quickly adopt these technologies can expect a brighter future.

In fact, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc ordered the establishment of a national committee for e-government in August. This aims to study and elaborate guidelines, strategies and policies to create a legal environment favourable for developing digial government.

A report from the AlphaBeta Consulting firm, Vietnam ranks second in high-tech investment environment, and third in digital competence in the Southeast Asia.