Vietnam President Demission: What’s Next in 2023?

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

The sudden departure of Vietnam’s President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and ousting of ministers and vice prime ministers has left many wondering about the country’s economic future in 2023. Business and political observers can make informed decisions by considering certain factors. The press has been second-guessing the situation.

Political and economic reforms since ‘Doi Moi’ 

Vietnam’s significant political and economic reforms since ‘Doi Moi’ in 1985 were necessitated by famine and an agonizing economy. These reforms aimed to transition from a centralized, planned economy to a market-oriented one, resulting in significant growth and development.

Vietnam’s political and economic history experienced a turning point during this period. The government implemented reforms such as liberalizing trade and investment, increasing private enterprise, and relaxing control over production and pricing. Doi Moi’s success played a role in making Vietnam one of the fastest-growing economies globally.

This led to market-oriented reforms and marked a turning point in Vietnam’s political history. As a result, Vietnam has emerged as a top player in Southeast Asia with political and economic stability and growth. 

VietnamNet provides news and analysis on politics in Vietnam, including the recent  departure of President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and the ousting of ministers and vice prime ministers.

You can also get foreign news from the South China Morning Post which discusses the recent departure of President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and the implications for Vietnam’s political and economic future. It also touches on the market-oriented reforms introduced in Vietnam.

Three main factors to Vietnam’s political and economic evolutions 

Since ‘Doi Moi’ in 1985, Vietnam has continued to evolve politically and economically. To navigate its high-adrenaline ‘series’ of politico-economic changes, we must understand three main factors:

A) Information dissemination is crucial in decision-making. While Vietnam’s government controls the media, seeking information from diverse sources and analyzing it critically is essential.

B) Understanding the decision-making criteria, rewards, and punishments employed by the Communist Party Central Committee (CPCC) is essential in understanding Vietnam’s politics. Comparing its criteria to that of the Western world’s capitalist/development criteria is also necessary.

C) Understanding how state-owned enterprises (SOEs), foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs), private enterprises (PEs), and cooperatives interact and contribute to Vietnam’s economy is critical in decision-making.

Vietnam as an attractive investment destination

Understanding Vietnam’s recent history and growth for the past 30 years is crucial, and it’s essential to note that Vietnam, despite its communist roots, has actively engaged with the rest of the world. The country’s political stability, favorable policies, and low tax rates have driven significant economic growth, making it an attractive investment destination for expats and foreign investors alike.

Currents events show that even with political stability potential systemic risks to uncontrolled growth from within Vietnam’s political and economic systems exist.

Getting quality sources of information is crucial to navigate Vietnam’s high-adrenaline ‘series’ and make informed decisions.

The impact of COVID-19 on Vietnam’s economy

Vietnam’s economy grew 2.9% in 2020 despite COVID-19. Recent leadership changes, however, raise concerns about political stability and foreign investment. Understanding the intertwined political and economic systems is essential for informed decision-making.

In less than three months, six top government officials, including the President, have been ousted from office. The reasons for their removal have not been made public. Many believe it could be linked to corruption or incompetence.

The Communist Party of Vietnam

The Communist Party of Vietnam, which has been in power since 1975, holds the ultimate authority in the country. The CPCC comprises around 200 members, who are elected every five years. The General Secretary, head of the CPCC, holds significant power. He is often referred to as the most powerful person in Vietnam.

While Vietnam’s political system is communist, the government has been proactively engaging with the rest of the world to attract foreign investment. The government’s policies have been favorable towards foreign investors, resulting in significant economic growth. The country’s low tax rates, political stability, and attractive labor costs have made it an attractive investment destination.

Vietnam economic structure

Vietnam’s economy operates on four main groups – state-owned enterprises (SOEs), foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs), private enterprises (PEs), and cooperatives. SOEs are the largest contributors to the country’s GDP, but they are often criticized for being inefficient and bloated. FIEs and PEs are the most dynamic groups, driving economic growth and job creation. Cooperatives, on the other hand, play a critical role in agriculture, which is a significant contributor to the country’s economy.

Vietnam’s political and economic systems have come a long way since the ‘Doi Moi’ period. The recent leadership changes have raised questions about the country’s political stability and its ability to attract foreign investment. It is essential for the government to address these concerns and provide a clear roadmap for the country’s future. At the same time, foreign investors must continue to assess the risks and opportunities in Vietnam to make informed decisions.

Economic growth and development in Vietnam for 2023

Like in most countries, Vietnam’s politics and economy closely intertwine. Recent events have raised concerns about the country’s political stability. It is essential to remember that Vietnam has overcome significant challenges in the past. With the right policies and decisions, Vietnam can continue on its path towards economic growth and development. Understanding the factors that drive Vietnam’s politics and economy is critical in making informed decisions about the country’s future.