Hanoi (VNA) - International press agencies have published positive and optimistic assessments of Vietnam’s economic performance, highlighting its strong growth momentum, stable macroeconomic fundamentals and long-term development prospects.

AFP reported that Vietnam’s economy grew 8.4% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, exceeding the previous forecast of 7%. In the first half of the year, GDP expanded 8.2%, with industry and construction remaining key drivers of growth, alongside a recovery in manufacturing activity and domestic demand.

AFP quoted Standre Bezuidenhout of international law firm DFDL as saying Vietnam had demonstrated its ability to turn geopolitical and supply-chain shifts into opportunities to attract investment.

He noted that Vietnam continued to attract manufacturing activity, deepen trade integration and strengthen its position as a reliable destination for investment flows.

The growth momentum was also reflected in trade and foreign investment. AFP reported that Vietnam’s exports reached 266.52 billion USD in the first six months of 2026, up 21% year-on-year, while foreign investment rose 61% to 34.65 billion USD.

In a recent article citing a Standard Chartered report, Xinhua reported that the bank forecast Vietnam’s GDP to grow 9.5% in 2026 and 11% in 2027. Standard Chartered also lowered its 2026 inflation forecast for Vietnam to 4.4%, saying monetary policy could continue to support growth while keeping inflation under control.

Tim Leelahaphan, Standard Chartered’s senior economist for Thailand and Vietnam, said the Vietnamese economy had demonstrated strong resilience in the first half of 2026. Growth was driven by manufacturing, services and investment, supported by policies aimed at promoting economic expansion.

Against a backdrop of continued global economic uncertainty and inflationary pressures, Leelahaphan said Vietnam was entering the final months of 2026 from a strong position, underpinned by robust domestic demand, continued investment in infrastructure and production capacity, and an ongoing economic transformation. These factors are expected to support the country’s long-term development goals./.