UOB's 2026 Business Outlook Study was conducted across seven markets: Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, China and Hong Kong. In Vietnam, the findings were based on a 15-minute online survey of 226 companies, including both large and medium-sized enterprises nationwide.
According to the study, 85 per cent of Vietnamese businesses reported a positive business outlook, a sharp increase from 48 per cent in 2025, when confidence was affected by uncertainty surrounding US tariff policies.
The report also pointed to strong optimism for the years ahead. Nine in 10 businesses expect improved performance in 2026 and anticipate stronger revenue growth during 2027 and 2028.
Amid volatility in global energy markets and concerns over supply disruptions, companies are adopting a more strategic and proactive approach to energy management.
More than half of surveyed businesses, or 55 per cent, identified securing stable and sustainable energy supplies as a priority for their operations. Meanwhile, 53 per cent are focusing on optimising energy use, while 47 per cent are working to reduce consumption and improve efficiency.
At the same time, Vietnamese businesses are accelerating digital transformation efforts, with artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly emerging as a key growth driver.
Although adoption remains at an early stage, eight in 10 companies have already begun implementing AI solutions, while around 25 per cent have reached more advanced levels of AI integration.
Supply chain diversification gains momentum
Supply chain management remains a strategic priority, with 97 per cent of Vietnamese businesses identifying it as critically important.
To strengthen resilience, companies are actively diversifying their supplier networks. Four out of five businesses plan to expand their supplier base in 2026, with more than half seeking additional suppliers within ASEAN and 23 per cent focusing on domestic sources.
The trend towards reshoring and nearshoring production is also accelerating.
Around one-third of Vietnamese businesses plan to establish or expand manufacturing operations within Vietnam, while 43 per cent are considering expansion into other ASEAN countries, reinforcing the region's position as a major manufacturing and supply chain hub.
This shift is helping drive a new wave of international expansion.
Seven in 10 Vietnamese businesses expanded overseas operations in 2025, while nine in 10 intend to continue international expansion over the next three years.
Similarly, 80 per cent of surveyed companies plan to invest abroad within the next two years, with average projected investment exceeding USD 28 million.
ASEAN remains the preferred destination for expansion, chosen by 65 per cent of respondents. Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia were identified as the most attractive markets within the region.
Pham Nhu Anh, head of Wholesale Banking at UOB Vietnam, said Vietnamese businesses have demonstrated remarkable adaptability and resilience amid an increasingly uncertain global environment.
"We are witnessing a clear shift beyond recovery towards transformation, as businesses accelerate investment in digital capabilities, strengthen supply chains and expand across ASEAN to capture long-term growth opportunities," she said.
