Asian media seek answer for how Vietnam maintains economic growth amid pandemic
Vietnam seems to be an only bright spot in Asia, which ably balanced public health and economics right from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Manila Times of the Philippines.
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam seems to be an only bright spot in Asia, which ablybalanced public health and economics right from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic,according to Manila Times of the Philippines.
In an article published on December 3, Manila Times praised Vietnam’s efforts inthe fight against the health crisis.
The article cited the World Bank’s forecast that Vietnam’s economy would grow by2.8 percent in 2020, even as its Asian neighbours struggle to recover from theongoing crisis.
Meanwhile, the Nikkei Asia of Japan stressed that Vietnam has succeeded inkeeping the pandemic under control.
The country’s achievement in fightingCOVID-19 has helped the country reduce the pandemic’s impact on its economy asmanufacturing has resumed faster than it did elsewhere in the region, joblosses were limited, and consumer spending, which accounts for 70 percent ofGDP, has remained solid.
Vietnam’s exports grew 9.9percent on the year in October to 26.7 billion USD, it noted.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects that Vietnam’s per capita GDP islikely to reach 3,498 USD in 2020.
According to Sonny Africa, Executive Director of Ibon Foundation- a Philippines-based non-profit research, education and information-development institution,said the key to Vietnam's success amid the health crisis is its ways to notonly contain the spread of pandemic but also to keep its economy afloat.
Vietnam opened up its economy but ensured State ownership and control ofstrategic enterprises in agriculture, mining, telecommunications, railways,chemicals, water, oil, electricity, cement, steel and other heavy industries,as well as banking and finance, he said.
The scholar also took notethat Vietnam considers foreign investment a driver of development, with the FDIflows into the country increasing strongly over the past three years./.
Vietnam is like a rising star, meeting all the factors to improve its economic image and attract more foreign investment flows, according to an article published by The Times of India.
German newspaper Neues Deutschland (New Germany) published an article on November 28 by Julia Behrens highlighting Vietnam's rapid response to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the fact that the Vietnamese government has put the health of the people ahead economic benefits.
Foreign direct investment pledges for Ho Chi Minh City fell 30.5 percent year-on-year to 3.8 billion USD during January-November, according to the municipal statistics bureau.
International media such as Japan’s Nikkei, Sputnik (Russia) and the Global Business Outlook have acknowledged that Vietnam’s economy has a great potential for foreign investors.
Total trade between Indonesia and New Zealand in the first half of 2025 reached 963.23 million USD, an increase of 21.56% compared to 792.39 million USD in the same period last year. Of this amount, Indonesia's exports to New Zealand totaled 374.89 million USD, while imports 588.35 million USD
Malaysia, as ASEAN 2025 Chair, marked the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary on August 8 with a vibrant celebration in Cyberjaya, blending an official ceremony with a colorful cultural festival.
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The 2025 ASEAN Business Community Development (ABCD) Forum, themed “Empowering ASEAN's Next Leap: Digital, Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Transformation” brought together ministers, CEOs, and top industry experts to discuss key regional economic priorities.
The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
Financial institutions and financial technology (fintech) players are intensifying their focus on expanding across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), adopting tailored strategies to strengthen their presence in the region’s digital financial services landscape.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and rice exporters are devising strategic plans to boost rice exports amid global market fluctuations, focusing on key markets and adjusting output.
The focus of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October will be on strengthening economic relations through intra-regional trade and investment, as well as regional initiatives on energy networks and connectivity.
Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The 30-storey tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. The partially built high-rise, meant to house the State Audit Office (SAO), was the only building in Thailand to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers.
Indonesia’s waste generation is projected to exceed 50 million tonnes in 2025. Of the total, more than 20 million tonnes could potentially enter the ocean through rivers, coastal areas, small islands, ports, and marine activities, and thereby, pose a risk to coastal ecosystems and marine biota.
Indonesia is accelerating plans to increase lithium imports, particularly from Australia, in a bid to fill gaps in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain and realise its ambition of becoming a global EV manufacturing hub.
Producing wood furniture for export (Photo: VNA) 
