The global economic hierarchy just received a massive shock as the World Bank released its inaugural Business Ready (B-Ready) 2025 report, and the results are a wake-up call for the West. Vietnam has officially shattered expectations, vaulting into the top 20% of global economies for operational efficiency. Ranking 16th out of 101 nations with a commanding score of 70.44 points, the Southeast Asian powerhouse has proven it can outpace dozens of mature markets. This isn’t just a minor win; it’s a signal that the era of viewing Vietnam as merely a low-cost “backup” to China is officially over. Hanoi is now a sophisticated, top-tier destination for global capital that demands speed and reliability.
The data reveals a nation that has spent years quietly perfecting its backbone. Vietnam demonstrated “exceptional strength” in utility services, securing a near-perfect 90.03 points—one of the highest scores recorded globally. Its financial services followed suit at a robust 80.32 points, proving that the country’s banking and credit infrastructure is now ready to support massive, high-tech industrial shifts. By excelling in business entry (76.62) and international trade (62.48), Vietnam has built a “fast-track” environment that leaves neighboring competitors scrambling to keep up.
However, beneath the headline-grabbing 16th-place finish lies a sobering reality that the Vietnamese government cannot ignore. The report exposed “critical gaps” that could halt this momentum if left unchecked. While the country is a leader in efficiency, its “public services” score of 53.93 and “market competition” score of 47.61 are dangerously low. The most glaring weakness is in business insolvency, where Vietnam scored a dismal 35.66. The World Bank’s message is unsparing: it is currently far easier to start a business in Vietnam than it is to reorganize or close one.
The World Bank also noted a structural challenge: Vietnam’s young workforce. While a “demographic dividend” is usually a strength, the B-Ready assessment found that economies with younger populations generally struggle to create the mature regulatory frameworks found in veteran economies like Singapore or the UK. As the project expands to 160 economies by late 2026, the pressure on Hanoi is mounting. To maintain its “Top Performer” status, the nation must pivot from “speed at all costs” to a system defined by fair competition and legal stability. The “Tiger” has found its teeth, but it must now prove it can build the cage to keep the market stable.
