HCMC – Vietnam’s GDP is projected to grow 6.7% in 2025, with faster growth in the first half at 7.5% before moderating in the second half at 6.1%, said Tim Leelahaphan, senior economist for Vietnam and Thailand at Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam.
The projections were announced at the bank’s global & Vietnam outlook H1 2025 event on February 20. The event brought together the bank’s clients, businesses, and industry leaders to discuss key economic trends shaping global and Vietnam’s markets.
Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam forecast strong economic growth for Vietnam in 2025, despite a slowdown in global markets.
Nguyen Thuy Hanh, CEO and head of Banking & Coverage at Standard Chartered Vietnam, said the country had shown consistent growth and was on track to become an upper middle-income economy.
Edward Lee, chief economist for ASEAN and South Asia at Standard Chartered, said global GDP growth would ease from 3.2% in 2024 to 3.1% in 2025. Inflation may decline, but expectations for U.S. Federal Reserve rate cuts have been revised downward. Tight monetary policies, fiscal constraints, and geopolitical risks could weigh on global markets.
Foreign direct investment remains a key driver, with manufacturing attracting the most capital, followed by real estate. Retail sales and industrial production continue to expand, reflecting resilient domestic demand. Exports remain robust, supporting trade expansion despite external uncertainties. Tourism is also rebounding, contributing to economic recovery.
Standard Chartered, the only international bank operating in all ten ASEAN countries, said Vietnam was a key market for its regional strategy. The bank plans to expand in corporate banking, wealth management, and trade finance while supporting Vietnam’s financial sector development.
As an international bank with over 120 years in Vietnam, Standard Chartered said it would support sustainable finance to driving growth, innovation, and sustainable development in this market. It would also support Vietnam’s target of net zero emissions by 2050.
