On 12 April, 2026 | On Bizline – the weekly magazine by Vietnam Today tracking Vietnam’s economic movements, the program explored Vietnam’s economic performance in the first quarter of 2026 and examined whether this momentum reflects deeper structural strength or a short-term cyclical rebound.
Click here for full interview (from 7:30)
Mr. Björn Koslowski, Vice-Chairman of the German Business Association (GBA), shared his perspective from the standpoint of international businesses operating in Vietnam. During the interview, he highlighted that Vietnam’s economy is entering a pivotal new phase, where growth alone is no longer the defining narrative. Instead, the focus is shifting toward improving capital efficiency, strengthening policy execution, and building a more resilient economic structure.
Against the backdrop of ongoing global uncertainties, Vietnam’s strong Q1 performance stands out as particularly significant. With the beginning of a new National Assembly term, the country is placing greater emphasis on institutional reform, legal clarity, and enhancing overall market efficiency—key factors that will shape the next stage of economic development.
From Mr. Koslowski’s perspective, Vietnam’s Q1 results demonstrate clear signs of underlying structural strength. GDP growth reached an impressive 7.8%, while foreign direct investment (FDI) climbed to a five-year high. At the same time, both imports and exports recorded robust growth of approximately 20%, reflecting strong external trade dynamics.
He noted that Vietnam is increasingly seen as a “beacon of economic stability” and remains one of the most attractive investment destinations globally. This positive outlook is further supported by the government’s ongoing efforts to stimulate the economy, particularly through infrastructure development and improvements in administrative efficiency.
Rather than viewing the current performance as a temporary rebound, Mr. Koslowski emphasized that these indicators point to a more sustainable, structural growth trajectory. This reinforces confidence among international investors and signals that Vietnam is well-positioned to navigate global headwinds while maintaining long-term economic momentum.