Economic Outlook Continues to Brighten in First Four Months
According to information recently released by the General Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance, in the first four months of 2026, despite the complex fluctuations in the global landscape, Vietnam’s economy continued to show positive momentum, with notable bright spots in industrial production, public investment disbursement, and the rising number of newly established and reactivated businesses, among others.
Industrial Production Rises 9.2% in the First Four Months of 2026
In April 2026, industrial production maintained its upward trend, with the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) climbing by 3.0% from the previous month and by 9.9% compared to the same time last year. In the first four months of 2026, the IIP increased 9.2%, reflecting continued recovery and expansion in the industrial sector.
The manufacturing and processing sector remained the key driver of growth, showing an expansion of 9.9% and adding 7.8 percentage points to the total growth. The electricity production and distribution sector saw a 7.5% rise, while water supply and waste treatment experienced a 7.4% increase. Additionally, the mining sector also saw a growth of 4.0%.
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Another encouraging indicator was that the IIP rose in all 34 localities across the country, reflecting a widespread growth in industrial activities. Several provinces experienced significant gains driven by manufacturing and power generation, including Ninh Binh, Phu Tho, Ha Tinh, Nghe An, and Bac Ninh. Provinces rich in hydropower, like Lai Chau and Son La, also saw impressive growth in electricity generation, positively impacting overall economic development.
By contrast, some localities, such as Lang Son, Lao Cai, Quang Ngai, and Tuyen Quang, reported slower growth rates due to their dependence on industries that are either stagnating or declining, like mining and electricity.
Notably, key industrial products including motorcycles, automobiles, steel, processed seafood, and beer continued to grow strongly, signaling a recovery in both domestic and export demand.
The industrial labor market also showed positive signs, with employment at industrial enterprises rising 1.1% month-on-month and 3.6% year-on-year, suggesting that businesses are scaling up production.
Nearly 29,900 Enterprises Established or Resumed Operations Each Month on Average
According to the General Statistics Office, 77,800 new enterprises were established in the first four months of 2026, with total registered capital reaching nearly VND 785.4 trillion and 356,900 registered employees. The figures showed strong year-on-year growth, with registered capital up 60.1% and the number of newly established enterprises up 50.7%.
Meanwhile, 41,600 enterprises resumed operations nationwide, up 8.6% from the same period last year. As a result, more than 119,400 enterprises entered or re-entered the market in the first four months of 2026, a year-on-year increase of 32.8%. On average, nearly 29,900 enterprises entered or re-entered the market each month.
Notably, the average registered capital per enterprise reached VND 10.1 billion, up 6.2%, reflecting improved capital quality among new market entrants. Total additional capital injected into the economy amounted to nearly VND 1.9 quadrillion, up 4.2%.
Accelerating Public Investment Disbursement to Drive Growth
Since the start of the year, ministries, sectors, and localities have stepped up efforts to accelerate the disbursement of state budget investment capital, helping create momentum for economic growth. Realized state budget investment capital in April 2026 was estimated at nearly VND 54.8 trillion, up 8.2% year-on-year.
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In the first four months of 2026, realized state budget investment capital was estimated at VND 187.1 trillion, equivalent to 19.7% of the annual plan and up 10.4% year-on-year. In comparison, the figure reached 16.7% of the plan and grew 20.5% in the same period of 2025. Centrally managed investment capital was estimated at VND 25.4 trillion, equivalent to 12.5% of the annual plan and up 4.6% year-on-year.
Locally managed investment capital is estimated at VND 161.7 trillion, about 21.6% of the annual plan and an increase of 11.4% compared to the same period last year. Specifically, investment from the provincial-level state budget amounted to VND 125.3 trillion, fulfilling 21.3% of the annual plan and up 8.3% year-on-year, while investment from the commune-level State budget reached VND 36.4 trillion, about 22.7% of the annual plan and up 23.5%.