According to Juwai IQI's chief economist Shan Saeed, ASEAN nations, particularly Vietnam, are positioned to spearhead the economic rebound in emerging markets from 2025 through 2030. He shared these insights during the Juwai IQI International Summit 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 29.
Saeed forecasted that Southeast Asia's collective GDP would reach 4.4 trillion USD in 2025 and exceed 6 trillion USD by 2030, supported by strong consumer spending, disciplined policies, and regional trade that serve as shields against worldwide economic instability. In 2023, the region attracted an unprecedented 230 billion USD in foreign direct investment, surpassing China in net capital inflows for the first time ever.
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ASEAN's inclusive framework, supported by agreements like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, offers privileged entry to approximately 30 percent of the world's GDP.
Saeed noted that the region occupies a central position in globalization's upcoming phase, where manufacturing strength, digital transformation, and environmental adaptation come together.
He identified four primary elements that make ASEAN attractive to investors: population benefits, technological connectivity, economic steadiness, and political neutrality. These components collectively position ASEAN as a major investment destination for the 21st century.
Saeed emphasized that Vietnam's foreign investment prospects remain its primary asset, ranking third globally after India and Mexico in manufacturing relocation surveys.
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An interconnected system of trade agreements, such as RCEP, CPTPP, and the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, expands Vietnam's international commerce capabilities. Solid economic management and beneficial population characteristics, including a workforce participation rate exceeding 68 percent, create conditions for continued economic expansion.
Saeed concluded that Vietnam needs to keep enhancing regulatory efficiency, infrastructure development, legal system updates, and environmental preparedness to achieve maximum competitive advantage.
An economist projects that Vietnam's economic growth could reach 5.9 percent to 6.3 percent in 2025, surpassing worldwide growth rates even with weakened international demand. Export values are projected to range from 390 to 400 billion USD, sustaining their upward trajectory, while government spending above 7.2 percent of GDP will persist in backing infrastructure and energy projects.
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For Vietnam to achieve double-digit expansion during 2026-2030, Saeed identified four essential productivity drivers. Initially, electricity generation capacity must attain 125-130 GW by 2030, with renewable sources comprising 40 percent of the total. This goal demands yearly investments of 10-12 billion USD for power facility construction and electrical grid improvements.
Additionally, Vietnam must reduce transportation and logistics expenses to 11-12 percent of GDP by 2030 by implementing integrated transport systems and automated port operations, which could contribute an additional 1.2 percentage points to yearly GDP expansion.