14TH NATIONAL CONGRESS OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF VIETNAM
Log in
Econ

Escaping middle income trap – a major challenge to Vietnam: Minister

Vietnam could not achieve its development targets without continuous efforts in changing the old mindset, pursuing innovation and policies reform, said Nguyen Chi Dung, minister of Planning and Investment.

Escaping the middle income trap is a major challenge for emerging economies, including Vietnam, not to mention materializing the desire for prosperity, according to Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung. 
 
Illustrative photo.
Illustrative photo.
Vietnam could not achieve these targets without continuous efforts in changing the old mindset, pursuing innovation and policies reforms, Dung said at the Vietnam Reform and Development Forum (VRDF) 2019 held on September 19. 

According to Dung, along with global development trends, Vietnam has adopted economic development strategy towards innovation and applying technological advancements from the Fourth Industrial Revolution in socio-economic sectors and state governance. 

However, with the country’s status of a low-middle income country, a number of challenges remain, including low productivity and national competitiveness, Dung stated. 

Vietnam targets to have an economy operating on the market mechanism, but there are flaws required to be addressed to boost efficiency in resources utilization and ensuring sustainable development. 

“The world we are living in is moving at a rapid rate with growing uncertainties and complexity, resulting in fiercer global economic and trade competition,” Dung added. 

It is, therefore, essential for Vietnam to grasp opportunities and overcome challenges, or risking being left behind in the race towards prosperity. 

Dung raised questions over the subject, the first one is which priority should Vietnam choose to focus on, and the second one is how should Vietnam act, given the limited resources available. 

Ousmane Dione, World Bank’s director in Vietnam, added there are two significant reforms for Vietnam and contribute to the country’s development in the next decade. 

The first reform is to find a weak point in current growth model, which still relies on the accumulation of factors and with limited support to higher productivity. 

The second one is related to market regulation. In spite of Vietnam’s impressive achievements during the process of economic transition, the country has not created a market regulation system with efficiency and validity. 

This is considered one of the main barriers restricting healthy development of the private sector and fair competition among economic groups, Dione added. 

Over the past few years, Vietnam has consistently been among the group of the world’s fastest growing economies, reaching an average GDP growth of 6.2% in the 2011 – 2018 period. 

As of 2018, Vietnam’s GDP reached over US$250 billion, joining the world’s top 45 largest economies in terms of GDP, while the GDP per capital stood at nearly US$2,600. 

Additionally, newly registered FDI has been growing steadily, standing at over US$200 billion in the 2011 – 2018 period. 

Vietnam is one of countries having the highest rate of economic openness, as its trade to GDP ratio reaching nearly 200% in 2018. 
Reactions:
Share:
Trending
Most Viewed
Gov’t weighs pilot hiring of CEOs for state firms

Gov’t weighs pilot hiring of CEOs for state firms

By 2030, all state economic groups and corporations are expected to adopt principles in line with OECD standards, which are regarded as leading international benchmarks for corporate governance.

Real estate firms sell bonds worth $402 million in May

Real estate firms sell bonds worth $402 million in May

Real estate companies have raised $862 million from bond issuance in April and May, thanks to an improved business environment and better access to funding.

Vietnam unveils new strategies to boost domestic market, aid businesses

Vietnam unveils new strategies to boost domestic market, aid businesses

As global trade uncertainties grow, Vietnam sees the domestic market not only as a key consumption driver but also a “lifeline” for businesses hit by protectionist export barriers.

Vietnam eyes US tilapia export boost as global supply falls

Vietnam eyes US tilapia export boost as global supply falls

Vietnam aims to increase tilapia output to 400,000 tons by 2030, making it the second-largest freshwater export species after pangasius.

Vietnam’s enterprises must act fast to weather US tariff shock: Experts 

Vietnam’s enterprises must act fast to weather US tariff shock: Experts 

Many of the key Vietnamese exports, such as wood products, electronics, and textiles, that are not on the US exclusion list could face steep tariffs.

Vietnam's mobile money pilot program extended to end of 2025

Vietnam's mobile money pilot program extended to end of 2025

Mobile Money, launched by the Ministry of Science and Technology, differs from e-wallets by linking users’ payment accounts directly to mobile phone numbers.

Vietnam taps innovation, global ties to elevate national brand

Vietnam taps innovation, global ties to elevate national brand

Vietnam is intensifying efforts to enhance its national brand, leveraging innovation, global partnerships, and strategic policies to bolster its global competitiveness and market presence.

Vietnam extends US$3.9 billion loan package for agro-forestry-fisheries

Vietnam extends US$3.9 billion loan package for agro-forestry-fisheries

The government has expanded the scope and scale of the credit program for the sectors which brought about US$62.4 billion worth of exports in 2024.