In its East Asia and Pacific (EAP) Economic Update report released on April 8, the World Bank highlighted that a surge in artificial intelligence-related exports and investment was a bright spot in 2025, particularly in Malaysia, Thailand and Viet Nam.

Even as regional growth shows signs of slowing, the WB notes that Viet Nam continues to stand out as a model of adaptability, turning challenges into opportunities to drive internal reforms.

According to the bank, Viet Nam's strong growth momentum in 2025 will serve as an important "buffer," helping the country mitigate the impact of global headwinds.

The organization praised Viet Nam's efforts to boost investment in infrastructure and education, as well as improve institutional quality, noting that these measures make policy support more effective compared to many countries in the region.

Earlier, the WB estimated that Viet Nam could be among the economies most affected by new U.S. trade barriers, with potential growth losses of up to 1 percentage point. However, actual developments indicate that Viet Nam's adaptability is performing better than expected.

Economic growth in the East Asia and Pacific region is slowing in 2026 due to external shocks.

The report stated that China, as the region's largest economy, is facing weak domestic demand and ongoing challenges in the real estate sector, coupled with slower global growth weighing on export expansion.

Its growth forecast is projected to ease from 5 percent last year to 4.2 percent in 2026 and 4.3 percent in 2027. Growth in other economies in the region is expected to slow to 4.1 percent in 2026, before rebounding to 5 percent in 2027 amid easing geopolitical tensions and reduced uncertainty./.