United Overseas Bank (UOB) has revised its GDP growth prediction for Vietnam from 7% to 8.5% for the current year, citing the country’s stronger-than-anticipated economic performance in the first six months, moderating energy costs, and the influence of artificial intelligence. Vietnam’s economy expanded by 8.18% in the first half of the year, the highest in Southeast Asia, driven by growth across industrial, construction, services, and agricultural sectors. Manufacturing emerged as a key driver, bolstered by a global surge in demand for artificial intelligence. Foreign direct investment (FDI) saw an impressive 61% upswing during the first six months, reaching US$34.7 billion, strengthening the prediction that 2026 could set a record for Vietnam in attracting FDI. Despite political tensions in the Middle East, Vietnam’s economy has displayed remarkable resilience. The Asian Development Bank forecast Vietnam as the fastest-growing economy in Southeast Asia this year with a projected growth rate of 7.2%, while Vietnam aims for a minimum growth rate of 10% this year, necessitating an 11.9% growth rate in the second half. UOB noted the impending U.S. tariffs expected in late July could add strain on global trade. The Vietnamese dong demonstrated notable resilience, with UOB maintaining its outlook that the dong will potentially strengthen against the dollar to 26,500 in the third quarter and 26,400 in the fourth.