ARTICLES

5 Mar 2026

Enlarging the “Gong” for a Bigger Boom: Vietnam and Strategic Autonomy

Nicholas Chapman

Vietnam’s foreign policy is evolving from a position based on integration and multilateralism to one based on strategic autonomy.

8 Jan 2026

Beyond the Points: Vietnam’s Digital Citizen Score Is About Power

Dien Nguyen An Luong

Vietnam’s digital citizen scoring proposal though based on incentives rather than punishment is a form of social engineering that paves the way for control by the security apparatus.

Vietnam Vietnamese Economy Vietnamese Politics

12 Nov 2025

Exchange Rate Stability in Vietnam: Navigating the Conflicting Policy Demands

Tuan Ho

Vietnam wants to stabilise the exchange rate amid devaluation pressure, while keeping interest rates low for economic growth. The country should be clear and prudent in balancing growth and macro stability.

Vietnam Vietnamese Economy Vietnamese Politics

30 Oct 2025

To Lam’s Foreign Policy Leadership in the “Era of National Rise”

Hoang Thi Ha|Pham Thi Phuong Thao

Since assuming power in August 2024, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam has pursued bold reforms with urgency. Economic diplomacy has been a central focus, aimed at mobilising international resources for economic restructuring and technological upgrading. He has also engaged Washington, traditional partners China and Russia, and other major powers with equal vigour, pursuing pragmatic multi-alignment to advance national interests.

Foreign Policy Vietnam Vietnamese Economy Vietnamese Politics

3 Oct 2025

Is Vietnam Headed for a Property Market Crisis?

Le Hong Hiep

There are many factors behind Vietnam’s red-hot property market, with loose monetary policy playing a central role. However, the government is reluctant to tighten it due to both political and economic reasons.

Vietnam Vietnamese Economy

19 Aug 2025

Grooming New Champions: To Lam Prepares for Private Sector-Led Growth in Vietnam

Nguyen Khac Giang

Resolution 68, issued in May 2025 by the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam, marks one of Vietnam’s most dramatic economic policy shifts since Doi Moi. It elevates the private sector from junior partner to the “most important force” of the economy. However, success hinges on overcoming entrenched interests, managing ideological resistance within the CPV, and ensuring disciplined execution of reforms.

Vietnam Vietnamese Economy Vietnamese Politics

29 Jul 2025

Vietnam Should Keep its Credit Caps and Carry on Structural Reforms

Nguyen Khac Giang

Vietnam’s rapid credit growth in the first half of 2025, and Prime Minister Chinh’s call to further open the floodgates, are concerning. The government must not gamble hard-earned stability for ephemeral monetary expansion.

Vietnam Vietnamese Economy

5 Jun 2025

Will Vietnam’s Private Sector Gamble Pay Off?

Nicholas Chapman

Vietnam aims to create private economic groups that hold regional and global significance. It must also combat corruption, support the growth of SMEs and startups, and promote foreign investment spillovers.

Vietnam Vietnamese Economy

5 Jun 2025

Vietnam’s Public Infrastructure Drive: More Haste, Less Speed?

Le Hong Hiep

Vietnam has an ambitious plan for the building of infrastructure. But it needs to be mindful of significant risks such as corruption and subpar construction quality.

Infrastructure Vietnam Vietnamese Economy

16 May 2025

Economic Anxiety, Nationalist Pride: How Vietnam Navigates the Trump Storm

Dien Nguyen An Luong

Hanoi is orchestrating a media campaign to project resilience amid Trump’s tariffs and other setbacks in US–Vietnam ties while trying to prevent simmering anti-American sentiments from hurting those ties.

Tariffs U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam Vietnamese Economy