By Khanh Vu
HANOI (Reuters) -Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said on Monday the government would target record GDP growth of 10% in 2026, saying the Southeast Asian economy has proven resilient despite pressure from external shocks.
Growth this year was estimated at 8%, Chinh told the opening of parliamentary session, adding the government would stick to its target of aiming for growth above 8%.
Over the first nine months of the year, GDP expanded by an annual 7.85%. The World Bank projects 6.6% growth this year, while the International Monetary Fund estimates 6.5%.
“The Vietnamese economy has proven to be strong enough to withstand external shocks, staying as one of the fastest-growing ones in the world,” Chinh told parliament.
Chinh also said the value of Vietnam’s goods trade was expected to reach $900 billion in 2025, despite a 20% tariff that has slowed exports to the United States, particularly footwear and textiles.
He reiterated Vietnam’s intention to sign new free trade agreements next year with countries in the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa to diversify export markets.
Vietnam aims to begin construction of its multi-billion-dollar North-South high-speed railway and launch satellite internet services next year, he said.
(Reporting by Khanh Vu; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by John Mair)
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