AsemconnectVietnam - Based on the results of the first six months of the year, experts propose improving policies to support businesses and diversifying fuel sources to achieve growth targets.

The Institute for Strategic and Policy Research in Industry and Trade has just released a report on the socio-economic situation in the world and domestically impacting the development of industry, energy, and trade in Vietnam in June 2026.
The report is the result of synthesizing and analyzing information collected by the Institute, while also incorporating assessments and suggestions from experts and scientists at a workshop on the same topic chaired by Dr. Hoang Truong, Vice Chairman of the Scientific Council of the Institute for Strategic and Policy Research in Industry and Trade, on July 2nd.
Domestic consumption is expected to continue to drive growth
In the first six months of 2026, the domestic economy continued to maintain stability, creating a foundation for growth in industry, energy, and trade. The electricity demand is increasing sharply, with nationwide peak power capacity rising by 13.5% compared to the same period in 2025. This necessitates continued enhancement of the power system's capacity, ensuring stable supply, while simultaneously promoting load management and efficient electricity use to meet economic development needs.
LNG power generation continued to play a crucial role in ensuring energy security, contributing over 3,000 MW during peak hours. Proactively securing long-term LNG sources combined with spot sources contributes to increased flexibility in supply.
The industrial sector continued to be a driving force for economic growth, with manufacturing leading the way. Macroeconomic stability, increased public investment, attracting foreign investment, and the recovery of export orders create favorable conditions for production.
The PMI (Purchasing Managers' Index) trend showed that manufacturing activity maintains its recovery trend, while also confirming the need to continue developing supporting industries, enhancing the self-reliance of the supply chain, and expanding the domestic market.
The import and export activities continued to thrive, with imports increasing mainly in machinery, equipment, components, and raw materials for production. Notably, production materials accounted for 94.1% of total import turnover in the first six months of the year, indicating that businesses are proactively preparing inputs to expand production, meet export orders, and investment needs. The foreign-invested enterprise sector continues to play a crucial role in exports with a trade surplus of US$8.3 billion, contributing to maintaining trade growth momentum.
Domestic consumption was projected to continue being a key driver of economic growth in the last six months of the year. Total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue are likely to continue growing, driven by household consumption, e-commerce, and the year-end shopping season. This result is supported by the coordinated efforts between fiscal and monetary policies, price management, ensuring the supply of essential goods, and stabilizing the market, thereby further strengthening the role of the domestic market in economic growth.
Proposing several solutions to improve efficiency
Regarding state management, the report notes that import activities are still under control and proposes the continued implementation of solutions to enhance the competitiveness of the domestic economic sector, especially the private sector, in accordance with Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW of the Politburo.
The report also recommends improving policies to support businesses by expanding market access, maintaining orders, meeting technical and green standards, promoting digital transformation, facilitating trade, and strengthening deeper participation in regional and global supply chains.
In addition, it is necessary to orient the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) towards quality linkages with domestic businesses, promoting technology transfer, developing supporting industries, increasing the localization rate, promoting deep processing, and creating conditions for Vietnamese businesses to participate more deeply in supply chains.
Regarding the energy sector, the report recommends flexible management of gasoline and diesel prices, taking advantage of the room for further reduction in world oil prices, and continuing appropriate tax policies to help control inflation. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure electricity supply during peak seasons through optimal mobilization of power sources and grids, rational regulation of reservoirs, and promoting electricity conservation.
CK
Source: VITIC/congthuong.vn