VIETNAM’S INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC INTEGRATION: CURRENT CHALLENGES

Abstract

Forty years after the launch of the renovation, Vietnam has made substantial progress in international integration, accompanied by significant changes in both policy thinking and practice. Its approach has evolved from opening up and overcoming international isolation to actively pursuing comprehensive integration, seeking strategic autonomy, and contributing to the formulation of international rules. This process has expanded opportunities for development, encouraged reform, attracted resources, and strengthened Vietnam’s international standing. Nevertheless, domestic capabilities, participation in global value chains, strategic autonomy, the implementation of international commitments, and risk management remain limited. This article reviews four stages of Vietnam’s international integration, assesses its achievements and limitations, and identifies the major challenges it faces today. It proposes shifting the focus of integration toward translating its outcomes into technological progress, higher productivity, greater resilience, and a stronger international standing

Keywords: international integration; independence and autonomy; domestic capabilities