Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at CEO500 - Tea Connect as part of the 2025 Autumn Economic Forum in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: VGP)
Speaking at the event, held as part of the 2025 autumn economic forum, the prime minister highlighted Vietnam’s major socio-economic achievements since the launch of doi moi (reform) in 1986.
Over nearly 40 years of reform, Vietnam has moved from a war-torn, isolated nation to a dynamic developing economy. GDP has grown from about USD 4 billion to nearly USD 510 billion, placing Vietnam among the world’s 32 largest economies. Average per capita income has risen from around USD 100 after the war to about USD 5,000. The country has also become a global leader in trade and investment attraction.
He noted that Vietnam has established diplomatic ties with 194 countries, built comprehensive strategic partnerships with all five permanent members of the UN security council and signed 17 free trade agreements with more than 60 countries.
Amid global uncertainty, the prime minister said Vietnam’s priorities are to safeguard macroeconomic stability, control inflation and maintain economic balances while pursuing growth. He thanked international partners, including investors and businesses, for their contributions.
Despite global challenges such as slow growth, rising debt and trade disruptions, Vietnam remains committed to long-term goals: achieving a modern industrial economy with high middle-income status by 2030 and becoming a developed, high-income nation by 2045.
To reach these goals, he said Vietnam will focus on three pillars: building a socialist-oriented market economy, deepening international integration and upholding the rule of law. This approach aims to balance growth with social equity, political stability and environmental protection.
He stressed that Vietnam will continue building an independent and self-reliant economy while engaging globally to expand cooperation and drive sustainable development. Its foreign policy will remain independent, multilateral and cooperative, contributing to peace and stability.
He also outlined three strategic breakthroughs: transparent institutions, seamless infrastructure and smart governance, which he described as essential for long-term progress in the digital era.
Vietnamese businesses and foreign partners sign ad exchange many cooperation documents at the event. (Photo: VGP)
In addition, he said Vietnam will introduce six key policies to ensure inclusive development, from strengthening economic self-reliance and flexible diplomacy to ensuring defence, promoting culture and protecting social welfare. Improving quality of life through better education, healthcare and social services will remain a core priority.
The prime minister emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in strategic sectors and called on international partners to collaborate in infrastructure, education, digital technology and finance.
He also underscored the central role of Ho Chi Minh City, the nation’s largest economic hub, in Vietnam’s development strategy. To become an international megacity, he said the city must strengthen digital infrastructure, build an international financial centre and reform institutions to attract investment.
The CEO 500 tea connect event, part of the 2025 autumn economic forum, gathered more than 500 domestic and international business leaders. The forum runs in Ho Chi Minh City from November 25 to November 27.
