[Latest News] Vietnam Tops the World in Creative Goods Exports

Vietnam has secured the top global position in exports of creative goods, according to the latest Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 released by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The country also leads in high-technology imports and exports, reinforcing its role as a dynamic player in global trade.

Global Ranking and Trade Performance

This year, Vietnam maintained its overall ranking of 44th out of 139 economies on the GII. Despite no change in its global standing, the country distinguished itself by ranking first worldwide in three indicators: high-tech imports, high-tech exports, and creative goods exports.

High-technology products account for 29.4% of Vietnam’s total imports, placing it alongside Hong Kong (China) at the top of the list. On the export side, Vietnam shares the global lead with Malaysia and the Philippines, with 36.1% of its trade comprised of technology-intensive goods such as electronics, telecommunications equipment, computers, and components.

In addition, Vietnam’s rise as a major exporter of creative goods positions it among global leaders such as China, Czechia, Hong Kong (China), and Malaysia—marking its growing capacity to produce goods that blend technology with cultural and creative industries.

Innovation Inputs and Outputs

Vietnam improved its score in the innovation input sub-index, climbing from 53rd to 50th place, with advances in institutional quality, market sophistication, and business environment. Its innovation output score slipped slightly, from 36th to 37th, though still remained higher than its input score. This suggests the country is efficient in transforming resources into knowledge, technology, and creative products.

With a GII score of 37.1, Vietnam ranks second only to India (38th) among lower-middle-income economies, while outperforming the Philippines (50th). Within ASEAN, Vietnam holds the third position, behind Singapore and Malaysia but ahead of Thailand.

Broader Achievements

Vietnam also ranks highly in several other indicators:

• 4th globally in labor productivity growth,

• 7th in the number of mobile applications developed,

• 8th in the share of R&D expenditure funded by businesses.

WIPO notes that Vietnam has consistently outperformed expectations for its income group, remaining one of the few economies to be recognized as an “innovation over-achiever” for 15 consecutive years.

Outlook

The results highlight Vietnam’s growing importance in the global economy, not only as a hub for high-tech manufacturing but also as an emerging center for creative goods. Analysts suggest that sustaining this momentum will require further investment in research and development, as well as policies that support innovation-driven industries.