Vietnam looks toward prosperous nation with $38,000 GDP per capita by 2050

The vision is outlined in Resolution No. 252/2025 of the 15th National Assembly (NA), certified by NA chairman Tran Thanh Man.

The resolution amends and supplements Resolution No. 81/2023 on the national master plan for the 2021-30 period, with a vision toward 2050.

It was adopted at the 10th sitting of the 15th National Assembly, which wrapped up on December 11 last year, with unanimous approval from all attending NA deputies.

High-income, developed Vietnam by 2050

As per the resolution, Vietnam’s long-term vision to 2050 is to become a strong, prosperous, and happy nation, with a developed, high-income economy operating under a modern and synchronous socialist-oriented market economy.

The country aims to build a fair, democratic, and civilized society, with social governance based on a comprehensive digital society platform.

The economy is expected to operate primarily on the foundations of the digital economy, green economy, and circular economy, with science, technology, and innovation serving as the main drivers of growth.

By mid-century, Vietnam is expected to become one of Asia’s leading industrialized nations, a regional and international financial hub, and one of the global leaders in high-value ecological agriculture.

The country is looking toward holding a firm position and playing an important role in regional and global value chains.

Vietnam aims to become a strong maritime nation and a major marine economic center in the Asia-Pacific region, while actively and responsibly contributing to the resolution of international and regional maritime and ocean-related issues

National defense and security will continue to be firmly safeguarded.

For the 2031-50 period, the resolution targets average annual GDP growth of around 7.0-7.5 percent.

By 2050, GDP per capita at current prices is projected to reach some $38,000, while the urbanization rate is expected to rise to 70-75 percent, and the human development index (HDI) is set to exceed 0.85.

Growth targets, economic structure

For the 2021-30 period, Vietnam aims for average GDP growth of over eight percent per year, with growth accelerating to at least 10 percent annually during 2026-30 period.

By 2030, GDP per capita at current prices may reach around $8,500.

The services sector is expected to account for more than 50 percent of the nation’s GDP, while industry and construction will contribute over 40 percent, including nearly 28 percent from manufacturing and processing.

The agro-forestry-fishery segment is targeted at less than 10 percent of the GDP.

Average annual labor productivity growth is expected to reach about seven percent during the 2021-30 period, rising to over 8.5 percent during the 2026-30 period.

Total factor productivity is projected to contribute more than 55 percent to overall growth.

Vietnam’s scientific, technological, and innovation capacity is projected to reach advanced levels in many key fields, placing the country among the leading upper-middle-income economies.

The resolution emphasizes leveraging the strengths of each socio-economic region, with a focus on developing two major growth poles in the north and the south, centered on Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Key economic corridors include the north - south corridor, the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong - Quang Ninh corridor, and the Moc Bai - Ho Chi Minh City - Bien Hoa - Vung Tau corridor.

These corridors are expected to feature modern, integrated infrastructure, high growth rates, and strong contributions to national growth.

Digital infrastructure and data infrastructure will be expanded to underpin national digital transformation, including digital government, digital economy, and digital society development.

The digital economy is targeted to contribute around 30 percent of the country’s GDP.

On the social front, the resolution sets a target of maintaining a stable replacement fertility rate of 2.1 children per woman, with the population reaching some 105 million by 2030.

The HDI is expected to reach about 0.78.

Average life expectancy is projected at 75.5 years, with at least 68 years of healthy life expectancy.

The agricultural labor rate in total employment is expected to fall below 20 percent, alongside improvements in job quality and maintenance of unemployment at reasonable levels.

Vietnam’s education system is targeted to reach advanced regional standards, placing the country among the top 10 nations in Asia for higher education.

At least eight universities are expected to rank among Asia’s top 200 institutions, and at least one university among the world’s top 100 in specific fields, according to reputable international rankings.

By 2030, Vietnam plans to complete approximately 5,000 kilometers of expressways and begin construction of selected sections of high-speed rail along the north - south axis.

Six socio-economic regions

– Northern midlands and mountainous region: Lang Son, Cao Bang, Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang, Phu Tho, Lao Cai, Son La, Lai Chau, and Dien Bien.

– Red River Delta region: Hanoi, Hai Phong City, Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, and Ninh Binh.

– North-central region: Hue City, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, and Quang Tri.

– South-central and Central Highlands region: Da Nang City, Quang Ngai, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Khanh Hoa, and Lam Dong.

– Southeast region: Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, and Tay Ninh.

– Mekong Delta region: Can Tho, Dong Thap, Vinh Long, An Giang, and Ca Mau.