The upgrade has reflected Viet Nam's strong economic momentum and supportive policy environment.

Standard Chartered expects the positive momentum to extend into next year, with GDP growth forecast at 11 percent in 2027.

Standard Chartered has lowered its inflation forecasts to 4.4 percent for 2026 and 3.3 percent for 2027, reflecting an improving inflation outlook. The bank expects the policy rate to remain unchanged, reflecting the authorities' efforts to balance growth objectives with inflation management.

Tim Leelahaphan, Senior Economist for Viet Nam and Thailand at Standard Chartered Bank said, Viet Nam's economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the first half of 2026, supported by stronger-than-expected growth across manufacturing, services and investment activity, alongside continued policy support.

While global uncertainties and inflationary pressures remain factors to monitor, Viet Nam enters the second half of the year from a strong position, he noted.

Strong domestic demand, continued investment in infrastructure and productive capacity, and ongoing economic transformation are helping to create a more balanced and resilient growth model that can support Viet Nam's long-term development ambitions, Leelahaphan added.

 Viet Nam's GDP growth accelerated to 8.39 percent in April-June period from 7.83 percent in the first quarter this year, the National Statistics Office reported. 

With the above figures, the Southeast Asian nation's GDP grew 8.18 percent in the first half of 2026, compared to 7.63 percent of the same period last year./.