Can Vietnam still reach its growth target?

Can Vietnam still reach its growth target?

From Asia Specific by BBC World Service

April 28, 2026 · 21 min

About this episode

The episode discusses Vietnam's economic growth amidst challenges from oil price hikes and features insights from experts.

The country’s economy - forecast to grow at the fastest pace in South East Asia this year - is under pressure, with manufacturers hit by oil price hikes from the conflict in the Middle East. Vietnam’s manufacturing sector is one of the country’s main engines of growth.The government has set its economic growth target at 10% over the next five years, and the country has been outpacing its regional peers. Asia Specific host Mariko Oi speaks to BBC World Service senior journalist Sen Nguyen and Edmund Malesky, professor of political economy at Duke University in the US. Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people.Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the…

People in this episode

Host: Mariko Oi

Guests: Sen Nguyen, Edmund Malesky

Topics covered

  • Vietnam economy
  • manufacturing sector
  • economic growth
  • oil price hikes
  • Asia Pacific insights

Keywords

  • Vietnam
  • economic growth
  • manufacturing
  • oil prices
  • Asia Pacific

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC World Service

Places: Vietnam, South East Asia, Singapore, Duke University, Middle East, US

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