In 2024, the Vietnamese economy continued to flourish, with growth indicators across various sectors. GDP growth reached 6.4% in the first half of 2024, a significant improvement from the 5% recorded in 2023. This robust growth was primarily driven by the manufacturing sector, which increased from 3.6% in 2023 to 8.8%, indicating a notable recovery in the industrial sector.
Concurrently, the Industrial Production Index (IPI) rose by 13.3% year-on-year as of July, while the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) remained stable at 54.7 in both June and July, reflecting a strong increase in new orders and overall production activity.
Despite these positive economic signals, companies and workers are expected to remain cautious and risk-averse in 2025.
99% of respondents expressed a preference for working in international companies
According to the 2025 Salary Survey by Robert Walters, 73% of workers are optimistic about their career prospects. Salary and benefits remain the top factors contributing to employee satisfaction.
Notably, 46% of respondents valued competitive compensation packages, while 77% emphasized the importance of bonus schemes in determining their job satisfaction.
In addition to financial incentives, employees are increasingly prioritizing intangible values in corporate culture. Opportunities for personal and professional development, such as specialized training programs, flexible work arrangements, and comprehensive health insurance packages, are also gaining recognition as essential components of an attractive benefits package.
Interestingly, the survey also revealed a prominent trend in respondents’ preference for foreign enterprises, with
99% expressing a desire to work for international companies.
The main reasons cited include more attractive salaries, well-defined career development paths, and the opportunity to experience a professional work environment adhering to international standards.
Image: 99% of respondents prefer working for international companies.
59% of employers acknowledge the competition in attracting top talent
Faced with increasing competition and shifting employee priorities, businesses in Vietnam are actively adjusting their strategies to attract and retain talent effectively. A notable focus is on salary increments, with 82% of surveyed companies planning to adjust salaries in 2025.
In addition to salary increases, employers are also enhancing their talent attraction programs through competitive bonus schemes (76%) and investments in comprehensive training and development programs (67%).
However, attracting talent is only one side of the coin. Retaining talent presents another set of challenges. The Robert Walters survey reveals that 59% of employers acknowledge the competition in recruiting top talent and the difficulty in offering competitive benefit packages. One promising approach is to hire candidates based on their potential rather than solely on their existing expertise.
In 2025, businesses are expected to ramp up hiring in areas such as Human Resources, Legal, and Finance to support their expansion and growth strategies. Additionally, positions in sales, marketing, and business development departments, which are crucial for growth, will continue to be in focus. Salary increases are projected to remain stable, ranging from 15% to 25% across most industries.
Sectors with High Recruitment Demand in 2025
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Human Resources: The demand for HR professionals continues to surge, especially for candidates with partner management and business relationship-building skills.+ Legal: Particularly in the fields of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) and Government Relations.
+ Accounting and Finance: Experts with skills in digital tools, risk management, and data analysis are expected to command competitive salaries.
+ Technology: The technology sector maintains its strong growth trajectory, especially in senior positions related to AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.
+ Consumer and Healthcare: These sectors benefit from the rebound in consumer demand, driving recruitment and stable growth in the coming year.
+ Supply Chain: Strategic thinking and data analytics skills are increasingly valued in logistics and procurement as businesses prioritize operational optimization.
The $5.3 Billion Highway Project: Uniting Vietnam’s Richest Region
A transformative 160km-long, $5.3 billion highway project is set to connect five provinces in Vietnam’s richest region.
The feasibility study report for this route has been submitted to the government, detailing a promising future for this ambitious project.
Unveiling a Coastal Paradise: Transforming a 1,000-Year-Old Historic Land into a “Golden Treasure”.
This land was once a desolate marshland, a wild and untamed place. Today, it has been transformed into a lush and bountiful landscape, a testament to the power of nature and the potential that lies within.
What Challenges Lie Ahead for the 2025 Growth Target?
The National Assembly has recently approved an ambitious GDP growth target of 6.5-7% for 2025, striving for an even higher 7-7.5%. With the global economy still fraught with uncertainties, what makes Vietnam confident in aiming for such robust growth? And what potential challenges lie ahead in achieving this lofty goal?
“Interest Rates: Sustaining Stability to Support Economic Growth”
The macroeconomic stability and consistent results, coupled with the growth in deposits and credit expansion, attest to the effectiveness of the State Bank’s monetary and credit policy framework and its implementation. This solid performance is a testament to the State Bank’s successful navigation of the economic landscape, fostering an environment conducive to business growth and financial stability.
“Investors Demand a Transparent Business Environment and Stable Policies”
Enhancing the business environment entails a multitude of factors. Beyond mere administrative reforms, investors seek stable, holistic, and cohesive policies that provide a solid foundation for their ventures.
