Vietnam pursue rapid growth, seeking sustainable, inclusive economy – Newswav

Vietnam’s Economic Strategy Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

Commitment to Sustainable and Inclusive Growth

A report from the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) 2025 indicates that Vietnam is pursuing a dual-objective economic strategy. According to Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, the nation is committed to achieving rapid economic growth while simultaneously building a more sustainable and inclusive economy. This policy directly aligns with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Sustainable Economic Growth: The focus on sustainability supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth.
• Inclusive Economy: The goal of inclusivity addresses SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by ensuring that the benefits of economic progress are distributed equitably among the population.

Strategic Priorities for Global Integration and Resilience

The Prime Minister outlined several strategic priorities designed to enhance Vietnam’s position within the global economy and fortify its resilience. These priorities are instrumental in achieving specific SDG targets.

1. Fostering Global Integration: By actively seeking more effective participation in the international economy, Vietnam is working towards SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), which emphasizes the need for global partnerships to achieve sustainable development.
2. Enhancing Economic Resilience: The strategy to build a more resilient economy contributes to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), which calls for building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.

Digital Transformation as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development

Digital transformation has been identified as a cornerstone of Vietnam’s national strategy, described by the Prime Minister as an “objective demand, a strategic choice, and a foremost priority.” This focus is a key enabler for advancing the SDG agenda.

• Strategic Imperative: The prioritization of digital transformation is a critical component for modernizing the economy and infrastructure, directly contributing to the innovation targets within SDG 9.
• Alignment and Connectivity: The Prime Minister stressed the need for consistency in mindset and action to ensure that digital transformation effectively aligns Vietnam’s economic connectivity with its sustainable development objectives.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article directly addresses this goal when it quotes Vietnam’s Prime Minister, who states the country “aims to pursue rapid economic growth while striving to build a more sustainable and inclusive economy.” This aligns with SDG 8’s objective to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • This goal is connected through the article’s emphasis on “digital transformation” as a “strategic choice, and a foremost priority for Vietnam.” Digital transformation is a key component of modern infrastructure and innovation, which are central to SDG 9’s aim of building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article highlights Vietnam’s focus on “fostering global integration” and “enhancing resilience through more sustainable and effective participation in the international economy.” This directly relates to SDG 17, which seeks to strengthen global partnerships for sustainable development, including through international trade and economic cooperation. The context of the Asean Business and Investment Summit further underscores this commitment to partnership.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth
   • The statement that Vietnam “aims to pursue rapid economic growth” is a direct reference to the objective of this target, which is to sustain economic growth in accordance with national circumstances.
2. Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology
   • The identification of “digital transformation” as a “foremost priority” implies a national strategy to increase access to and adoption of ICT, which is the core of this target. The goal is to leverage technology for economic development and connectivity.
3. Target 17.11: Significantly increase the exports of developing countries
   • Vietnam’s strategy of “fostering global integration” and ensuring “effective participation in the international economy” points towards this target. The goal is to improve the country’s position in global trade as a means of achieving economic growth and resilience.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not mention any explicit numerical indicators. However, based on the stated goals, the following indicators are implied as necessary measures of progress:

1. Indicator 8.1.1: Annual growth rate of real GDP per capita
   • This indicator is directly implied by the country’s aim to “pursue rapid economic growth.” Measuring the annual growth rate of GDP would be the primary way to assess the success of this policy.
2. Indicator 9.c.1: Proportion of population covered by a mobile network, by technology
   • To achieve the “digital transformation” mentioned as a “foremost priority,” progress would need to be measured by indicators related to ICT access and infrastructure. This indicator is a fundamental measure of a country’s digital readiness and connectivity.
3. Indicator 17.11.1: Developing countries’ and least developed countries’ share of global exports
   • Progress on “fostering global integration” and “effective participation in the international economy” would be measured by Vietnam’s share and volume of global trade. This indicator tracks a country’s export performance on the global stage.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: newswav.com