ARTICLES

3 Jul 2026

Fast-Tracking “National Rise”: How Vietnam Is Learning from China

Hoang Thi Ha|Pham Thi Phuong Thao

Despite a history of distrust, Vietnam is increasingly drawing lessons from China’s experience of a strong state driving economic transformation.

9 Jun 2026

Unleashing Officials, Unlocking Funds: PM Le Minh Hung Confronts Vietnam’s Economic Challenges

Tuan Ho

Vietnam’s new prime minister needs to disburse idle public funds. His previous role helming the Communist Party’s personnel system should help him galvanise officials who prioritise an overly cautious approach over rapid progress.

Vietnam Vietnamese Economy Vietnamese Politics

7 May 2026

BT or Not BT: Vietnam’s Infrastructure Development Dilemma

Le Hong Hiep

Vietnam has revived Build-Transfer projects five years after banishing them for corruption risks. The efficiency and development reasons are clear — as are the perils that demand stronger institutions.

Corruption Economic Development Vietnam Vietnamese Economy Vietnamese Politics

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To LamGeneral Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam takes his oath as Vietnam's President during a National Assembly's session in Hanoi on 7 April 2026. Vietnam Communist Party General Secretary To Lam was elected president by the National Assembly, capping his bid to centralise authority in a nation where senior cadres have traditionally governed collectively. (Photo by -STR / AFP)

13 Apr 2026

To Lam’s Consolidation of Power: Implications for Vietnam’s Political and Economic Prospects

Le Hong Hiep

To Lam has become Vietnam’s supreme dominant leader. This has both positive and negative implications.

Vietnam Vietnamese Economy Vietnamese Politics

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.

Foreign Policy Vietnam Vietnamese Economy Vietnamese Politics

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