According to PwC’s “29th Annual Global CEO Survey,” released on March 5, 2026, the world witnesses profound geopolitical volatility, technological breakthroughs, and a global economic rebalancing, Vietnam continues to stand out as a preeminent bright spot in the region.

The survey indicates that Vietnam is entering a new growth phase, bolstered by robust macroeconomic foundations, deeper integration into global supply chains, and a continually modernized legal environment. These factors have placed Vietnam at the center of the restructuring strategies of many of the world’s largest corporations.

A standout theme this year is the contrast between the general caution felt across the region and Vietnam’s rising strategic stature. While most global CEOs are recalibrating their growth expectations, leaders in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region are expressing strong confidence in Vietnam as a premier investment destination, an innovation hub, and a key link in the diversification of global supply chains.

Mr. Mai Viet Hung Tran, General Director of PwC Vietnam, noted that the country is standing before a rare opportunity. Amidst regional caution, Vietnam is ranked as one of the top three investment destinations for APAC CEOs and has become a strategic pivot in the restructuring of global trade and supply chains.

To fully capitalize on this opportunity, businesses must act decisively. Strengthening foundations in data, human resources, and governance is a prerequisite for transforming Artificial Intelligence (AI) from a mere expectation into tangible value. Simultaneously, cybersecurity is no longer a standalone technical issue but must be prioritized within corporate strategy. Above all, leaders must balance two critical tasks: enhancing short-term resilience and proactively restructuring organizations to anticipate the future. While challenges are mounting, the potential for Vietnamese enterprises that act with foresight is immense.

Momentum Amidst Regional Caution

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to contribute nearly 60% of global growth in 2026, yet it still faces volatility from persistent inflation and geopolitical risks. Despite this, Vietnam’s outlook remains exceptionally optimistic. The country demonstrated impressive growth with a GDP increase of 8.02% in 2025 and has set a national GDP growth target of 10% for the 2026–2030 period. This ambition is supported by stable domestic consumption, a projected 20–30% increase in public investment for infrastructure, and an expected 8% export growth in 2026 despite international trade fluctuations.

Vietnam’s regulatory environment continues to see significant improvements. The Investment Law 2025, which officially took effect on March 1, 2026, is simplifying administrative procedures, enhancing transparency, and bolstering investor confidence—all of which contribute to the long-term competitiveness of Vietnam’s private sector.

Thanks to the combination of economic resilience and a modernized legal framework, Vietnam is seeing a wave of intense interest from CEOs. According to the survey, Vietnam now ranks among the top 3 investment destinations chosen by regional CEOs, trailing only the U.S. (42%) and surpassing Mainland China (14%). Investor interest in Vietnam has nearly doubled in just one year, rising from 8% to 15%.

A “Dual Reality” for CEOs

This year’s survey reflects a “dual reality” for APAC CEOs. In the short term, confidence has dipped due to a slower-than-expected global recovery and prolonged market volatility. Only 21% of regional CEOs expressed confidence in their own company’s revenue growth prospects over the next 12 months—a sharp decline from 34% the previous year.

However, looking further ahead, medium-term confidence has rebounded significantly: 51% of CEOs expect conditions to improve over the next three years. This reflects a belief that current investments in technology, talent, and operational resilience will yield practical value in the future.

In Vietnam, this optimism is even more pronounced. Fundamental factors such as its strategic position in the “China +1” strategy, manufacturing growth rates, and the massive shift in global supply chains are prompting more CEOs to include Vietnam on their priority investment maps for the medium and long term.

Technology and Security Priorities

Technological transformation remains a top priority for CEOs. While 39% of CEOs recorded revenue increases due to AI adoption and 26% reported cost reductions, nearly half of businesses still struggle to convert AI initiatives into clear financial impacts. The survey highlights that companies with solid foundations—including good data governance, integrated tech systems, adequate investment, and responsible AI frameworks—are capable of generating double the value of their peers.

In parallel, cybersecurity has emerged as the top risk in the eyes of CEOs. The proportion of leaders feeling highly or extremely impacted by cybersecurity risks has jumped from 23% to 39%, overtaking traditional risks like inflation or macroeconomic instability. This is particularly critical for Vietnam, where a fast-growing digital economy and high technology adoption rates make businesses attractive targets for attacks.

Export Resilience Amidst Trade Barriers

Exports remain a vital pillar for Vietnam even as trade challenges intensify. Despite facing a 20% tariff rate from the United States, Vietnam’s exports still grew by 17% in 2025, with exports to the U.S. increasing by nearly 28%. However, 86% of Vietnamese manufacturers surveyed by PwC predict that negative impacts will become more apparent in 2026 as temporary support measures expire—particularly in labor-intensive sectors such as textiles, wood products, and agriculture. This underscores the urgent need to strengthen supply chain resilience and diversify export markets.