Hanoi (VNA)♕ — Vietnam is seen as entering a strategic “golden decade” of innovation and private investment, with global investors highlighting the country’s resilience and emerging role as a key growth driver in Asia.

The outlook was presented during the Vietnam Innovation and Private Capital Summit (VIPC Summit 2025) held on April 22. The event gathered hundreds of domestic and international investors, startups, and policymakers to discuss opportunities amid global uncertainty. Despite a tightening global investment environment, Vietnam disbursed 2.3 billion USD in venture capital and private equity across 141 deals in 2024, according to a report released at the summit. The report was jointly prepared by the National Innovation Centre (NIC), the Ministry of Finance, the Vietnam Private Capital Association (VPCA), and Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Macroeconomic indicators were highlighted as particularly strong, GDP grew 7.1% in 2024, outperforming much of Asia. Foreign direct investment (FDI) reached 25 billion USD, a 9% year-on-year increase. The middle class is projected to make up 46% of the population by 2030, and the digital economy already contributes over 18% of GDP, aiming for 35% by 2030. This momentum, according to VPCA Chairwoman Le Hoang Uyen Vy, marks Vietnam’s transformation from a promising market to a breakout economy, driven by innovation, private capital, and forward-thinking policy. The report emphasised Vietnam’s economic shift toward digitalization, sustainability, and high-tech industries. Notable policy measures include capital market reforms, legal frameworks for blockchain technology, and plans to establish an international financial center. These efforts aim to create a transparent investment environment and improve Vietnam’s global credit rating. Infrastructure development is also advancing rapidly, supported by nearly 500 billion USD in FDI across key projects from global firms such as Samsung, Intel, Lego, and Foxconn. This positions Vietnam not just as a manufacturing hub but a strategic node in global supply chains.

NIC Director Vu Quoc Huy said Vietnam’s growth story is now closely tied to the innovation strategy with ecosystems that integrate talent, advanced technology, and global capital. This, he noted, is a crucial moment to position the country as a leading innovation-driven economy in Asia. Private investment is considered a central pillar of Vietnam’s next development phase. The country now hosts close to 100 active investment funds, with the most dynamic coming from Singapore. Despite a 35% drop in global private capital in 2024, Vietnam’s ecosystem showed resilience, with early-stage deals under 500,000 USD rising by 73%. Sectors attracting attention include artificial intelligence, smart agriculture, green energy, and logistics. Investment in AI startups grew eightfold compared to 2023, while AgriTech surged ninefold amid growing interest in food security and digital supply chains. Investors say Vietnam is well positioned to shape the next wave of regional growth. BCG’s Global Financial Investment Director Ben Sheridan called this a “golden age” for private capital in Vietnam, noting rare favourable conditions for long-term investors. Vinnie Lauria, founder of Golden Gate Ventures, which has invested in Vietnam for a decade, praised the country’s entrepreneurial talent and rising ambition. The fund manages 300 USD million in assets and has made nearly 20 investments in Vietnam, with one-third of recent deals targeting the local market. Chad Ovel of Mekong Capital, with 25 years of experience in Vietnam, emphasized the importance of showcasing Vietnam as a dynamic destination for global investors. He said forums like VIPC help put Vietnam “on the financial map” and strengthen connections between regional and in-country investors. As Vietnam advances through this critical decade, innovation and private capital are expected to be the dual engines propelling the country toward becoming a regional economic leader./.