Vietnam Boosts Non-Traditional Security Response Amidst Robust Growth

Vietnam has approved a national project to enhance its response to non-traditional security threats, amidst its continued robust economic growth. This long-term initiative is envisioned to span until 2030, with a vision extending to 2045. The project aims to significantly improve awareness, responsibility, and action among authorities at all levels, sectors, the armed forces, the business community, and the public in preventing, detecting early, and responding to non-traditional security threats. For Vietnam, which prioritizes social stability and development under its one-party system, addressing such threats is a crucial pillar of national governance. Economically, the nation is setting a goal to develop its digital technology industry into a modern and highly competitive sector by 2030. This includes mastering core technologies, contributing to key national tasks, and achieving double-digit growth. Furthermore, Vietnam aims to attract between $200 billion and $300 billion in registered foreign investment (FDI) during the 2026-2030 period, with 75% expected to come from developed economies possessing strong technological capabilities, financial resources, and modern governance. This is part of Vietnam's strategy to establish itself as a leading country in ASEAN in terms of investment climate, competitiveness, innovation, public service quality, and the capacity to attract high-quality FDI projects. In terms of trade, Vietnam's total trade turnover reached $549.69 billion in the first half of 2026, a year-on-year increase of 27.1%, indicating strong growth. Both exports and imports have performed well, with five export items each earning over $10 billion, accounting for 62.6% of the country's total export turnover. FDI also saw a substantial increase, reaching $34.65 billion in the same period, up 61% year-on-year. These figures suggest that Vietnam is strengthening its economic ties with the international community and increasing its importance in global supply chains. On the social front, improvements in service quality are also being reported, with Hanoi being recognized among the 'World's Top Ten Cities with the Friendliest Customer Service.' Initiatives to improve the quality of life for citizens are also underway, including the promotion of school health programs and financial support for myopia treatment for young residents. Notably, Ho Chi Minh City, 50 years after its renaming in 1976, has grown into Vietnam's economic powerhouse, contributing 23.5% to the country's GDP. These developments indicate that Vietnam is pursuing a multifaceted national strategy focused on maintaining economic growth while simultaneously enhancing domestic stability, improving the quality of life for its citizens, and strengthening its global competitiveness.