Vietnam’s economy expanded by 7.83 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, outpacing the 7.07 per cent recorded a year earlier and underscoring resilience amid global uncertainty.
Nguyen Thi Huong, Director of the National Statistics Office, said the result reflects strong adaptability among businesses and provides a firm basis for achieving full-year growth targets.
The agro-forestry-fishery sector grew by 3.58 per cent, contributing 5.6 per cent to total value added. Industry and construction rose 8.92 per cent, accounting for 44.08 per cent, while services expanded 8.18 per cent, contributing the largest share at 50.32 per cent.
Services continued to dominate the economic structure, making up 43.45 per cent of GDP, followed by industry and construction at 37.15 per cent, and agro-forestry-fishery at 10.89 per cent.
Domestic demand showed clear improvement, with final consumption increasing 8.45 per cent and asset accumulation rising 7.18 per cent. External trade remained robust, with exports of goods and services climbing 19.85 per cent and imports up 24.27 per cent, signalling stronger demand for production inputs.
Business activity also improved significantly. More than 57,400 enterprises were newly established in the first quarter, up 57.8 per cent year on year, with total registered capital reaching nearly VND 538.6 trillion (about USD 20.4 billion), an increase of 51 per cent. Registered employment rose 16.5 per cent to over 265,900 workers.
Meanwhile, more than 38,600 firms resumed operations, up 5.7 per cent, bringing the total number of new and reactivated businesses to around 96,000, an increase of 31.7 per cent compared with the same period last year.
“These positive figures reflect not only effective and timely policy governance, but also the resilience and adaptability of businesses and the broader economy,” Huong said.
However, she warned that growth pressures could intensify in the second quarter as geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, drive up energy prices, input costs and risks of supply chain disruption.
At a government press conference on April 4, Minister-Chairman of the Government Office Tran Van Son said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had instructed ministries and localities to implement coordinated measures to sustain growth momentum.
The government remains committed to achieving growth of 10 per cent or higher in 2026, while maintaining macroeconomic stability, controlling inflation and ensuring key economic balances.
Priority will be given to strengthening traditional growth drivers such as investment, consumption and exports, alongside accelerating new engines including the digital economy, innovation and science and technology.
Authorities also aim to accelerate public investment disbursement, advance major national projects and develop an international financial centre, while boosting domestic consumption, expanding e-commerce ecosystems and promoting cashless payments.
In addition, Vietnam plans to expand nationwide 5G coverage, develop large-scale data centres and increase the application of artificial intelligence.
The prime minister has also stressed the need to ensure national energy security in both the short and long term, particularly the supply of crude oil and natural gas.
Deputy minister of industry and trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan said domestic fuel supply remains stable, with sufficient reserves to meet demand through April.
The government has reiterated its commitment to avoiding power shortages under any circumstances, especially during peak periods in the dry season, as electricity demand is expected to rise sharply in 2026.
