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Dear readers,

Accompanying a range of favorable factors for Vietnam’s economy in 2024 is also a host of pressing matters, largely
due to continued uncertainties resulting from global economic fluctuations and rising geopolitical competitiveness.

In such a context, what economic growth scenario will be chosen for Vietnam this year? What new drivers are
available for continued economic growth? How can the country’s economy navigate the headwinds and move
forward?

These topics drew much attention during discussion sessions at the Vietnam Economic Scenario Forum 2024, the
16th holding of the annual event, jointly organized by Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy and the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs in Hanoi on January 11, with the theme “Promoting mechanisms and policies, vigorously imple-
menting new growth drivers”.

The 16th Vietnam Economic Scenario Forum brought together policymakers, representatives from various
government bodies, investment funds, corporations, and banks, and local economists. It aimed to provide
independent and comprehensive assessments of Vietnam’s economic trends and practical considerations within
the regional and global development context. With analyses of existing mechanisms and policies, the Forum also
aimed to facilitate an environment conducive to the implementation of new growth drivers in 2024. The
participation and feedback from representatives of government bodies were crucial in ensuring that businesses
have access to accurate information to make informed decisions.

Opinions were shared on the country’s prospects for economic growth this year and beyond, with forecasts of both
positive and negative factors that could leave a major imprint on performance.

Ms. Dorsati Madani, Senior Economist at the World Bank, delved into the economic drivers for Vietnam,
emphasizing the importance of both external and domestic demand. “While expecting a moderate recovery in
exports, the focus on resolving challenges in the real estate sector becomes crucial, given its impact on private
investment and interconnected sectors like construction, design, and architecture,” she told the Forum.

Vietnam’s current “golden population” structure also plays an important role as a human driver for the country’s
economic growth. According to Mr. Hong Sun, Chairman of the Korean Chamber of Business in Vietnam
(Kocham), this “golden” structure is projected to last for approximately another 10-15 years, and Vietnam must
seize this window of opportunity to become a developed country, cautioning that missing this chance could make
a return to a golden population era exceedingly challenging.

All comments from speakers, both local and foreign, at the Forum were considered valuable recommendations for
policymakers from different government agencies to prepare appropriate economic growth scenarios for 2024.

Our Cover Story in this February issue also focuses on economic growth scenarios for Vietnam during 2024, to
further clarify the opportunities, difficulties, and challenges for the country, with various analysis, comments, and
recommendations, including predictions on the continued impact of global economic fluctuations on the domestic
economy and what the new drivers of economic growth may be.

DR. CHU VAN LAM
Editor-in-Chief