Economic diplomacy key to Vietnam’s 8.3–8.5% growth target this year: PM

He made the statement while chairing a hybrid-format conference in Hanoi on Tuesday with Vietnam’s overseas diplomatic missions and embassies, concentrating on measures to boost economic diplomacy as a driver of economic growth.

At the meeting, participants reviewed the results of economic diplomacy efforts in the first half of 2025, identified strengths and challenges, and drew lessons to effectively carry out tasks for the remainder of the year.

According to the Vietnam News Agency, Vietnam conducted nearly 50 major external activities led by key leaders during the first six months of this year, upgraded relations with 10 countries, and signed 253 cooperation agreements, double the number from 2024.

Economic, trade, investment, and science-technology cooperation were the primary areas of focus in these diplomatic efforts.

Vietnam’s overseas missions organized nearly 300 economic diplomacy events, including activities promoting trade, investment, and tourism.

As a result, Vietnam’s GDP growth reached 7.52 percent in the first half of 2025, the highest in 15 years.

Macroeconomic stability was maintained, inflation remained under control, exports rose 14.4 percent from a year earlier, and foreign direct investment increased 32.6 percent year on year.

Looking ahead, PM Chinh called for stronger coordination among relevant stakeholders, emphasizing economic diplomacy as “one of the key focuses of foreign affairs in the new era” to achieve the 2025 growth target of up to 8.5 percent and build solid momentum toward double-digit growth in the coming years.

He urged efforts to expand export markets by leveraging the 17 signed free trade agreements and finalizing new deals with promising markets such as the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Central Asia, India, and Brazil.

Support is also needed for businesses in key sectors such as electronics, automobiles, textiles, and machinery to boost exports and integrate further into global supply chains.

Additionally, the PM stressed the swift implementation of National Assembly Resolution No. 222/2025 on developing international financial centers in Vietnam, through collaboration with Abu Dhabi of UAE, the Astana International Financial Center in Kazakhstan, and the consortium of Singapore’s Terne Holdings and Vietnam’s The One Destination.