Viet Nam continues to demonstrate robust growth potential in the post-pandemic ASEAN economy. Following a strong rebound in 2022, the country has maintained stable expansion despite global volatility. This growth is motivated by solid macroeconomic fundamentals and a strategic focus on infrastructure as the primary catalyst for long-term development. 

Alongside economic stabilisation, Viet Nam is entering a rare large-scale infrastructure investment cycle. More than 3,000 km of expressways are being developed nationwide, together with major aviation, seaport, and urban infrastructure projects such as Tan Son Nhat Airport’s Terminal 3, Noi Bai Terminal 2, Long Thanh International Airport, Hon Khoai Port, and the Can Gio sea-crossing bridge; which not only address immediate transport pressures but also play a strategic role in reshaping economic geography, opening new growth poles, and strengthening national connectivity. 

Infrastructure – the foundation for sustainable growth 

Su Ngoc Khuong, Senior Director, Investment, Savills Vietnam, notes that the country is at a decisive 'window of opportunity'. According to Khuong, the 2016–2030 period is critical as infrastructure has moved beyond a supporting role to become a prerequisite for long-term growth. Without timely and systematic investment, the economy risks losing momentum as expansion outpaces connectivity and operational capacity. 

Data from the General Statistics Office (GSO) and international research organisations, compiled by Statista, shows a clear recovery and sustained growth from 2022 to 2025. After reaching 8% growth in 2022, GDP slowed to about 5.1% in 2023 amid global weakness, before rebounding to 7.1% in 2024 and nearing 8% in 2025. These figures reinforce Viet Nam’s position as a fast-growing regional economy.  

Growth quality has also improved. According to the ADB and GSO, GDP per capita rose steadily from roughly US$3,700 in 2022 to nearly US$5,026 in 2025. Increasing income levels and a larger domestic market are growing demand for transport, logistics, urban infrastructure, and public services, creating new developments in a pressurised opportunity. 

In this context, Khuong emphasised that the key issue is not the number of projects, but the implementation. Infrastructure should be developed in a coordinated, end-to-end manner to maximise efficiency and create lasting value. Expressways, Ring Roads, airports, and seaports must be integrated within a connected system to avoid fragmented investment and underutilised potential. 

Integrated connectivity – unlocking development space and attracting capital 

Infrastructure’s impact extends beyond transportation and logistics to trade, investment, and real estate markets. In recent years, alongside public investment, next-generation trade agreements, especially the EVFTA, have helped reshape Viet Nam’s role in global supply chains. 

By 2025, cumulative FDI inflows into Viet Nam are expected to reach approximately US$300 billion. European capital, in particular, is becoming more selective, focusing on high-value-added sectors such as technology manufacturing, electronics, advanced processing, and logistics rather than labour-intensive industries. The gradual elimination of tariffs on more than 99% of export goods to the EU by 2027 under the EVFTA will further strengthen Viet Nam’s appeal to long-term investors. 

However, experts note that these trade benefits hinge on capable transport and logistics infrastructure support. Ports, airports, warehousing, and inter-regional connectivity are decisive in reducing logistics costs, improving competitiveness, and enabling the smooth operation of high-quality capital flows. 

Khuong states that transport infrastructure is a catalyst for urban expansion. Enhanced connectivity allows residents to live further from urban cores without sacrificing accessibility. This shift encourages the growth of satellite cities, industrial hubs, and new residential communities, easing pressure on central districts while promoting a more balanced distribution of population and resources. 

From investment to implementation efficiency 

While acknowledging the scale of current investment, Khuong emphasised that effective execution depends on streamlined regulatory frameworks and innovative delivery solutions. Priority must be given to national projects in capital and material allocation, while decentralisation to local authorities requires clear accountability. As multiple major projects progress simultaneously, institutional flexibility and inter-agency coordination will be the primary drivers of quality and delivery.  

Looking toward 2026–2027, Khuong views this period as a critical test of implementation capacity and the overall effectiveness of the national infrastructure strategy. He stresses, “The most important keyword for Viet Nam’s infrastructure in the coming years is connectivity: end-to-end connectivity, coordinated connectivity, and efficient connectivity to optimise socio-economic benefits.” 

Infrastructure should not be viewed merely as physical assets but as the foundation of a new growth cycle. When invested in at the right time and in the right way, infrastructure becomes a strategic lever to enhance competitiveness, attract long-term capital, and improve living standards in the years ahead.