Vietnam Boosts ASEAN Unity and Resilience Amid Economic Growth

Entering a new era of national development with the aspiration of building a strong and prosperous country, the mindset of "growing alongside ASEAN" will guide Vietnam’s more proactive, positive, and substantive contributions to the ASEAN Community and the co-creation of the region’s shared future, noted Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung. Vietnam's economy maintained solid growth in the first seven months of 2026, with industrial production, foreign investment, consumption and tourism posting strong gains, laying a solid foundation for achieving the full-year growth target. Standard Chartered has sharply raised its forecast for Vietnam’s economic growth in 2026 to 9.5%, up from its previous projection of 7.2%, citing stronger-than-expected recovery in manufacturing, investment and domestic consumption. The third Plenary Meeting of the 14th Party Central Committee discussed 13 key issues, with decisions expected to deliver four strategic shifts: removing bottlenecks, unlocking resources and creating new drivers of national development. The outcomes have been welcomed by local authorities, businesses and the public. Party General Secretary and State President To Lam on August 6 called for strong reforms of infrastructure planning and development, stressing that infrastructure has become a decisive factor in enhancing national competitiveness and must be planned and managed with a long-term strategic vision. Ho Chi Minh City is capitalising on its seaport advantages and stronger regional connectivity following its administrative merger to drive logistics and the marine economy. By prioritising infrastructure investment and strengthening its role as a maritime gateway, the city aims to become a regional logistics hub. Furthermore, Vietnam attaches great importance to fostering its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Malaysia, and is deepening ties with regional countries, celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Thailand. Parliamentary cooperation is a key pillar of Vietnam–Thailand relations, helping to strengthen political trust, and effectively implement the agreements reached by the two countries' high-ranking leaders. On the social front, Ho Chi Minh City is accelerating the digital transformation of its cultural heritage as part of its strategy to develop the cultural industries, making treasures more engaging and accessible for younger generations. Additionally, UNESCO Dak Nong Global Geopark has become an increasingly attractive destination for both domestic and international visitors, owing to its spectacular waterfalls and unique volcanic cave system. Vietnam is advancing on both economic growth and regional connectivity, contributing to the unity and resilience of ASEAN as a whole.