Buildings in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran
Vietnam’s GDP is forecast to hit $450 billion in 2024, placing it 34th globally, according to the UK-based Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR).
With an average annual growth rate of 5.8% over the next five years, Vietnam’s GDP is expected to surpass Singapore’s, reaching $676 billion by 2029.
By 2039, Vietnam’s GDP could rise to $1.41 trillion, ranking 25th worldwide and becoming Southeast Asia’s third-largest economy, following Indonesia and the Philippines. This significant milestone underscores Vietnam’s resilience amid global challenges.
CEBR projects Vietnam will maintain strong growth compared to regional peers such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. While global GDP is expected to double from $110 trillion in 2024 to $221 trillion by 2039, Vietnam is anticipated to outpace many of its ASEAN neighbours in economic expansion.
In terms of GDP per capita, Vietnam is set to cross the upper-middle-income threshold in 2024 with a projected per capita GDP of $4,469. By 2025, this figure is expected to rise to $4,783, officially classifying Vietnam as an upper-middle-income country.
Although Vietnam’s per capita GDP lags behind Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, it is forecasted to climb to fourth place among ASEAN-6 nations by 2026, overtaking Indonesia and the Philippines, with a per capita GDP of $6,140, according to the International Monetary Fund.
To maintain its upward trajectory, Vietnam must focus on improving labour productivity, investing in education, and advancing technology. These efforts are essential to narrowing the income gap with neighbouring countries and solidifying its position as a regional economic leader.
