Market Report – Vietnam – Economics – BMI (2024)

Market Report – Vietnam – Economics – BMI (1) Market Report – Vietnam – Economics – BMI (2) Market Report – Vietnam – Economics – BMI (3)

Market Report – Vietnam – Economics – BMI (4)

Market Report: Vietnam

One of BMI's favourite recruitment markets due to its consistent, steady growth and strong economic forecasts.

Questions? Contact us!

There are few countries in the world whose economic growth can compare to Vietnam’s. The nation boasts enviable, consistent growth rates which has attracted foreign direct investment,encouraged exports, and strengthened the country from within, spurring domestic demand and spawning a rising middle and upper class.

Learn more about the country’s robust growth below and contact us for help or advice when recruiting in Vietnam.

Historically, the Vietnamese Dong reached an all-time high of 23,360 in November of 2018 and a record low of 13,878 in February of 1999.

The corresponding chart tracks USD-VND values from March 2014 to March 2019. As of 1 March 2019:

1 USD = 23,196.66 VND
1 EUR = 26,389.18 VND
1 GBP = 30,669.45 VND
1 AUD = 16,423.54 VND
1 CAD = 17,471.74 VND
1 JPY = 207.33 VND
1 CNY = 3,458.89 VND

Vietnam’s economic growth over the past two decades has been steady and impressive, averaging 5.5% since 1990 and nearly 8% annually through the 1990’s.

The World Bank noted that between 1990 (USD 6.472 billion) and 2016 (USD 205.276 billion), Vietnam’s GDP grew by a whopping 3,303% making it the second-fastest growth rate worldwide, only surpassed by China.

  • Forecasting an impressive 6.6% GDP for 2021
  • 2.9% GDP growth rate in 2020
  • 7.02% GDP growth rate in 2019
  • 7.08% GDP growth rate in 2018
  • 6.8% GDP growth rate in 2017
  • 6.5% GDP growth rate in 2016

GDP per capita

Vietnam took just 11 years (from 1995 to 2006) to double its per capita GDP from USD 1,300 to USD 2,600 (according to McKinsey & Co, 2014).

GDP per capita was USD 6,876 in 2017.

A joint report released in 2016 by the Vietnamese government and the World Bank suggested that Vietnam could achieve upper-middle income status by 2035 with per capita income of more than USD 7,000, which is in the range of what Malaysia or South Korea experienced in the mid-2000’s.

As of a 2016 report from the General Statistics Office of Vietnam (GSO), median wages sit just below 6 million VND a month.

Vietnam’s middle class population – currently at 10% – is believed to be the fastest growing in Southeast Asia.

The middle class earning USD 714 a month or more in Vietnam will double to 33 million people, about a third of the population, between 2014 and 2020, according to Boston Consulting Group.

Meanwhile, market research firm Nielsen has estimated that the number of middle class Vietnamese will reach 44 million by 2020 and 95 million by 2030.

This would require Vietnam to grow at least 7% per year, raising the average income level to over USD 7,000 (or USD 18,000 in purchasing-power parity terms) by 2035 (compared with USD 2,052 – or USD 5,370 in PPP terms – in 2014).

The aforementioned report also noted that over the last decade, the number of millionaires in Vietnam has tripled. As of 2016, Vietnam boasts the world’s fastest growing percentage of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, which they define as those having a net worth of at least USD 30 million.

The ASEAN Economic Community was formally established in December 2015, and since then, McKinsey has reported that the ten member states have been moving toward greater economic and community integration on a number of fronts.

  • Those ten countries have a total population of more than 650 million people.
  • Their combined economies would currently rank as the 7th largest economy in the world, an economic footprint that is projected to grow to become the 4th largest in the world by 2050.
  • 67 million households in ASEAN states are part of the “consuming class,” with incomes exceeding the level at which they can begin to make significant discretionary purchases. That number could almost double to 125 million households by 2025, making ASEAN a pivotal consumer market of the future.

The number of newly established enterprises in Vietnam in 2017 hit a record high of 126,859 and was up by 15.2% from 2016. The government aimed to boost this further, with a 2018 target of 135,000.

Private investment is projected to benefit from Vietnam having risen 14 places in the World Bank’s Doing Business rankings for 2018.

Big business in Vietnam

According to McKinsey, the number of companies headquartered in country with more than USD 1 billion in revenue in 2010 was:

China: 674

France: 236

India: 158

Singapore: 64

Vietnam: 20

Foreign investments

According to the Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung, over the past 30 years, foreign direct investment (FDI) has become an important part of the economy. FDI has:

Created 27% of the GDP

Accounted for 70% of export turnover

Contributed to 17% of the state budget

Generated employment for ~9 million local workers

Agriculture

  • Fading as the most important economic sector in Vietnam.
  • Still employs almost half of the population and is highly labour-intensive in Vietnam; much ploughing is still done by water buffalo.
  • Agriculture is the main source of raw materials for the processing industries and a major contributor to exports (mining in the north and rubber plantations in the south).
  • Rice is the most important crop.Other major crops are sugarcane, cassava (manioc), corn (maize), sweet potatoes, nuts, banana, coconut, mango, jackfruit, citrus, coffee and tea.

Manufacturing

  • Manufacturing accounts for a mere 8% of all employment.
  • The output value of both manufacturing and services surpassed that of agriculture in the early 1990’s.

Services

  • By the early 21stcentury, services accounted for roughly one-fourth of total employment.

Growth till now

  • Growth has been driven by rising foreign direct investment, vigorous export growth, strengthening agriculture, and robust domestic demand.

Growth in the future

  • Closing the country’s widening skills gap is key to remaining attractive to foreign investors and sustaining growth.

The corresponding visual shows Vietnam’s top ten export categories in 2018, which may affect interest in study courses and post-study employment, given their importance to the country’s economic growth.

Additionally, in the service sector, demand is high for:

  • Scientific research
  • Design
  • Marketing and market research
  • Finance
  • Insurance
  • Telecommunications
  • Hospitality and tourism

A recent report from JobStreet revealed that the job market is bright for fresh university graduates, with wages growing year on year.

BMI runs more than 80 events in over a dozen countries each year. Join these events in Vietnam to recruit students directly via our fairs and attend our peer-to-peer events to build connections with high school counsellors and recruitment agents.

  • January - June 2021
  • July - December 2021

Market Report – Vietnam – Economics – BMI (5)

Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam

International Students

BMI's biannual student recruitment fairs in Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam draw in thousands of academically-oriented students and their parents to bring them in direct contact with institutions from around the world. BMI also takes a limited number of accredited institutions on chauffeured visits to top-rated private high schools in Bangkok, Hanoi, HCMC and Jakarta and to meet top high school counsellors at the Vietnam Internation School Workshop & Forum.

Learn more»

Event Location

Date

Price

Event Location

Ho Chi Minh City - High School Visits

Date

Mar 16

Price
USD 800
Add to Cart
Event Location

Ho Chi Minh City

Date

Mar 17 - Mar 18

Price
USD 4,400
Add to Cart
Event Location

Hanoi

Date

Mar 22

Price
USD 2,800
Add to Cart
Event Location

Hanoi - High School Visits

Date

Mar 23

Price
USD 800
Add to Cart
Event Location

Jakarta

Date

Mar 25 - Mar 26

Price
USD 4,400
Add to Cart
Event Location

Jakarta - High School Visits

Date

Mar 27 - Mar 28

Price
USD 1,500
Add to Cart
Event Location

Bangkok - High School Visits

Date

Mar 30 - Mar 31

Price
USD 1,500
Add to Cart

Market Report – Vietnam – Economics – BMI (6)

Hanoi, Vietnam

High School Counselors

Providing you the unique ability to connect with influential leaders at the secondary school level from across Vietnam. Hold 15 meetings and network with school leaders who advise teenagers and their parents on the next steps in their academic careers.

Learn more»

Event Location

Date

Price

Event Location

Hanoi - Meeting Table (for 1 rep) - WAITING LIST IN OPERATION

Date

Mar 20 - Mar 21

Price
USD 2,500
Add to Cart

Market Report Indonesia

Our latest Market Report offers a 58-page deep dive into Indonesia’s education and recruitment scene. Learn more about the market. Discover enrolment opportunities.

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Market Report – Vietnam – Economics – BMI (2024)

FAQs

Market Report – Vietnam – Economics – BMI? ›

Vietnam's middle class population – currently at 10% – is believed to be the fastest growing in Southeast Asia. The middle class earning USD 714 a month or more in Vietnam will double to 33 million people, about a third of the population, between 2014 and 2020, according to Boston Consulting Group.

What is the market economy of Vietnam? ›

The economy of Vietnam is a mixed socialist-oriented market economy, which is the 36th-largest in the world as measured by nominal gross domestic product (GDP) and 26th-largest in the world as measured by purchasing power parity (PPP) in 2022.

What is Vietnam's market size? ›

Specifically, sales in 2019 reached VND29,516 billion (US$ 1,271 billion) while it was VND26,574 billion (US$ 1.144 billion) in 2020.

What is the middle class salary in Vietnam? ›

Median salary

The median Vietnamese salary is 14,800,000 VND/month. Median salary means half the population earns more than 14.8 million VND/month, while the other half earns less than 14.8 million VND/month.

What is the economy forecast for Vietnam? ›

Growth is expected to pick up to 6.5 percent in 2024 as the economies of Vietnam's main export markets gain strength, the report says. The outlook for Vietnam reflects heightened uncertainty in the global economy.

What is the biggest economic problem in Vietnam? ›

The slowdown or possibly recession of the global economy; risks and uncertainties in the financial system that may culminate in a crisis; and foot-dragging disbursem*nt of public investment are three major challenges to Vietnam's economy in 2023.

What is Vietnam's largest economic sector? ›

Main Sectors of Industry

Vietnam's economy is based on large state-owned industries such as textiles, food, furniture, plastics and paper as well as tourism and telecommunications. Agriculture represented 12.6% of GDP and employs 37% of the total workforce in 2022 (World Bank, 2023).

What is considered upper middle class in Vietnam? ›

Average wages in Vietnam

A joint report released in 2016 by the Vietnamese government and the World Bank suggested that Vietnam could achieve upper-middle income status by 2035 with per capita income of more than USD 7,000, which is in the range of what Malaysia or South Korea experienced in the mid-2000's.

Is 3000 usd a good salary in Vietnam? ›

The salary range in Vietnam is 3,070,000 VND/month (minimum salary) to the highest average of 76,900,000 VND/month (actual monthly salary may be higher). These figures are inclusive of bonuses. The lowest salaries are in the accounting, customer service, and administrative sectors.

What is the 1% income in Vietnam? ›

To make it into the group of the top 1 per cent in terms of wealth in Vietnam, according to Knight Frank, Vietnamese people need to own $160,000. This figure is $2.9 million in Singapore; $540,000 in Malaysia; and $60,000 in Indonesia and the Philippines.

Why is Vietnam inflation so low? ›

HANOI: One of the factors behind Vietnam's low inflation in 2022 was overcapacity which constrained firms from rising product prices, according to Nguyen Duc Do, deputy director of the Institute of Economics and Finance at the Academy of Finance.

What is the market outlook for Vietnam in 2023? ›

IMF projects 5.8 percent GDP growth for Vietnam this year. The IMF is forecasting GDP growth of 5.8 percent for Vietnam this year, according to its World Economic Outlook, April 2023: A Rocky Recovery report.

What are the major hurdles in Vietnam economic growth? ›

The Vietnamese economy itself still faces many challenges, including financial and monetary problems, macro variables such as inflation, bank liquidity, cash flow, exchange rates, interest rates and the real estate market. The Government is working to address these issues.

Why is Vietnam economy so successful? ›

Vietnam is one of the fastest–growing economies in the world. The country's economic boom is attributed to the shift in labour allocation from agriculture to the manufacturing and services sector. Vietnam also received a boost from private investment, strong tourism, higher wages, and increased urbanisation.

What is the poverty rate in Vietnam? ›

Poverty Data: Viet Nam

In Viet Nam, 4.4% of the population lived below the national poverty line in 2021. In Viet Nam, the proportion of employed population below $1.90 purchasing power parity a day in 2022 was 1.2%.

Is Vietnam a low income country? ›

In 1990, Vietnam was among the world's poorest countries with a GDP per capita of $98. By 2010, GDP reached $1,000. Vietnam is now defined as a lower middle income country by the World Bank.

What is the largest contributor to Vietnam's GDP? ›

Distribution of gross domestic product (GDP) across economic sectors Vietnam 2021. In 2021, Vietnam's service sector contributed the largest percentage to the country's gross domestic product (GDP), at 41.21 percent. The service sector consists of the production of intangible goods to businesses and final consumers.

What is Vietnam struggling with? ›

In its latter stages, the conflict held the attention of the world. Alongside its economic growth, Vietnam is also beset by high levels of corruption, political censorship and a poor record on human rights.

Is Vietnam a stable economy? ›

Vietnam continues to be a magnet for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), and for leading economic growth — exceeding 2% GDP growth in 2021, and being on pace for a 6.5% GDP growth target in 2022. Vietnam has a relatively stable government that provides strategic direction and decides on all major policy issues.

Is Vietnam capitalist or socialist? ›

In contrast to the Chinese model (dubbed the socialist market economy), the Vietnamese system is more explicitly characterized as an economy in transition to socialism and not as a form of socialism, with the process of building socialism seen as a long-term process.

What does Charlie mean in Vietnam? ›

Collectively the United States often called them the Viet Cong. It was commonly shortened to VC, which in military alphabet code was spoken as Victor Charlie. It was further shortened to just Charlie. American soldiers called them Charlie, they called themselves liberators.

What is the booming sector in Vietnam? ›

Information and communications technology (ICT) is a booming sector in Vietnam.

What are the 5 classes in Vietnam? ›

The golden star represents the five main classes in Vietnamese society — intellectuals, farmers, workers, entrepreneurs, soldiers.

What is a living wage in Vietnam? ›

Living Wage Individual in Vietnam averaged 4957650.00 VND/Month from 2015 until 2018, reaching an all time high of 5258200.00 VND/Month in 2015 and a record low of 4693900.00 VND/Month in 2017.

What are the five classes in Vietnam? ›

The yellow star centred on the red field symbolizes one of five classes of society —entrepreneurs, farmers, workers, intellectuals and soldiers representing each point of the star.

How much usd to retire in Vietnam? ›

Many expats live comfortably in Vietnam on less than $1200 per month. Regardless if your tastes are modest or luxury, your living costs are less than what you would spend in a MCOL city in the US.

What is a good expat salary in Vietnam? ›

1/ Know your take-home pay

Therefore, you should be aware of how much of your income will go into your pocket, and budget accordingly. The good news is that, as an expat, you can expect to command a high salary in Vietnam. Salaries for expats ranged from US$8,500 to US$34,000 per month in 2022, VnExpress reported.

How much does the average house cost in Vietnam? ›

In Vietnam, a 50m2 downtown house costs at least around $500,000, sometimes even higher. However, the average income of Vietnamese is just over $3,000 a year. Thus, it will take us more than 160 years-worth of income to purchase a house.

How many people in Vietnam are millionaires? ›

Countries by number and percentage of millionaires
Country or subnational areaNumber of millionairesShare of global millionaires (%)
Czech Republic *68,0000.1
Chile *66,0000.1
Vietnam49,0000.1
Colombia *39,0000.1
44 more rows

Do expats pay tax in Vietnam? ›

Yes, expats pay tax in Vietnam. Individuals working in Vietnam (including foreigners) have to pay personal income tax (PIT) based on their tax residency.

Should you tip in Vietnam? ›

Tipping isn't mandatory or customary in Vietnam, but it is always appreciated. If you're happy with the services provided by waiters, drivers and other service workers, leaving a small tip is a good way to show your appreciation.

Which is the fastest-growing economy in world? ›

India's GDP grew 6.1 percent (compared to 4 percent in the same quarter of 2021–22), making it the fastest-growing among the world's top economies. Last year, the IMF's chief called India a bright spot in the global economy.

What is the quality of life in Vietnam? ›

Vietnam's quality of life index in 2021 is 78.49 points, holding the position of 62/165 countries on the ranking of the world's best quality of life index of CEOWORD. Compared to 2021, Vietnam ranks 101/171 countries in the world, so Vietnam's rank has increased by 39 places after 1 year.

Which is the fastest-growing country in Asia? ›

Vietnam and Cambodia are among the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, with both countries projected to experience GDP growth of 5.8 per cent in 2023. Vietnam's public debt is expected to remain the lowest among eight ASEAN members.

Has Vietnam been fastest growing economy in the world? ›

Economic reforms since the launch of Đổi Mới in 1986, coupled with beneficial global trends, have helped propel Vietnam from being one of the world's poorest nations to a middle-income economy in one generation. Between 2002 and 2021, GDP per capita increased 3.6 times, reaching almost US$3,700.

What will Vietnam's economy be in 2025? ›

Vietnam's digital economy is predicted to continue growing with a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 31 percent with value reaching $49 billion by 2025, according to a report about e-commerce.

What will Vietnam economy be in 2050? ›

The country will strive for annual GDP growth of 6.5-7.5% between 2031 and 2050, along with per capita GDP of 27,000-32,000 USD and an urbanisation rate of 70-75% by 2050.

Is Vietnam economy improving? ›

With strong economic expansion projected over the next decade, Vietnam's total GDP is forecast to increase from USD 327 billion in 2022 to USD 470 billion by 2025, rising to USD 760 billion by 2030.

Why is Vietnam not an emerging market? ›

Both the FTSE and MSCI have publicly said that Vietnam's prefunding requirement and strict limits on foreign ownership of shares are among the main hurdles to an emerging market status upgrade.

Why Vietnam is growing so fast? ›

Vietnam has benefited as major companies have moved their manufacturing there to take advantage of the low costs, developed infrastructure, supportive business environment, and success in mitigating the economic effects of COVID-19.

Is Vietnam a non market economy? ›

As a member considered a non-market economy of the WTO (World Trade Organization), Vietnam has met many difficulties in exporting goods to the US market by this legal barrier, especially under US anti-dumping law.

What are markets like in Vietnam? ›

From fresh fruit and vegetables to clothes and furniture, Vietnamese markets have it all. Every town and city has a large, central market, as well as several smaller, more specialised markets. With such a wide variety of goods and markets on offer in Vietnam, finding the best market for what you want can be tricky.

Is Vietnam a cash economy? ›

With a low banked population, those aged 15 and above holding a bank account, of 34%, Vietnam has traditionally been a cash-based economy.

Is Vietnam a socialist oriented market economy? ›

In contrast to the Chinese model (dubbed the socialist market economy), the Vietnamese system is more explicitly characterized as an economy in transition to socialism and not as a form of socialism, with the process of building socialism seen as a long-term process.

Is Vietnam a middle income economy? ›

Vietnam At-A-Glance

Vietnam's shift from a centrally planned to a market economy has transformed the country from one of the poorest in the world into a lower middle-income country. Vietnam now is one of the most dynamic emerging countries in East Asia region.

What is the biggest marketplace in Vietnam? ›

shopee.vn

What is a wet market in Vietnam? ›

In Asia, local markets are simply places where butchers and grocers sell fresh products straight from the farms. You'll also find live animals such as chickens or fish. These markets are also referred to as wet markets due to the fact that the floors are always wet when sellers wash their vegetables or clean fish.

What economic problems does Vietnam have? ›

SINCE REUNIFICATION IN 1975, the economy of Vietnam has been plagued by enormous difficulties in production, imbalances in supply and demand, inefficiencies in distribution and circulation, soaring inflation rates, and rising debt problems.

Is it better to have cash in Vietnam? ›

Changing money elsewhere is illegal and while higher rate may be on offer you may risk losing your money. Credit cards are widely accepted but, in rural areas particularly, you should carry cash as a back-up. It may be difficult to cash travellers' cheques. ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas.

Is Vietnam a communist or capitalist country? ›

Vietnam is a socialist republic with a one-party system led by the Communist Party. The CPV espouses Marxism–Leninism and Hồ Chí Minh Thought, the ideologies of the late Hồ Chí Minh. The two ideologies serve as guidance for the activities of the party and state.

Is Vietnam still a socialist state? ›

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a one-party state. A new state constitution was approved in April 2013, replacing the 1980 version. The central role of the Communist Party was reasserted in all organs of government, politics and society.

Is Vietnam a democratic country or socialist? ›

The Communist Party of Vietnam, the leading non-State organ, operates in accordance with the laws. Government powers in Vietnam are divided into legislative, executive and judiciary powers. Vietnam's legal system is based upon socialist legality according to Article 12 of the constitution.

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