Panama vs Vietnam
A data-driven side-by-side: investment score, economy, business climate, political stability, and tax, to help you decide where to invest, incorporate, or relocate.
Overall: Panama ranks higher
Panama scores 65/100 on our composite investment index, ahead of Vietnam at 54/100. This blends economic strength, political stability, business climate, financial maturity, and growth outlook. Read the breakdown below to see where each country actually leads.
Category breakdown
65
Economic strength
Panama leads
62
58
Political stability
Panama leads
42
70
Business climate
Panama leads
52
68
Financial maturity
Panama leads
52
58
Growth outlook
Vietnam leads
80
Macro snapshot
82
GDP (USD bn)
-348.0 bn
430
3.5%
GDP growth (%)
-3.0 pp
6.5%
$18,500
GDP per capita (USD)
+14200.0
$4,300
2.0%
Inflation (%)
-1.5 pp
3.5%
5.5%
FDI (% of GDP)
+1.0 pp
4.5%
55%
Public debt (% of GDP)
+17.0 pp
38%
4.4
Population (M)
-95.6M
100
Panama: strong sectors
- Logistics & Canal18.0% of GDP78
- Financial Services14.0% of GDP70
- Tourism8.0% of GDP62
- Construction10.0% of GDP58
Vietnam: strong sectors
- Manufacturing33.0% of GDP85
- Electronics18.0% of GDP82
- Tourism7.0% of GDP72
- Agriculture12.0% of GDP68
Frequently asked
Which is better for investment: Panama or Vietnam?
Our composite investment index gives Panama a score of 65/100 and Vietnam a score of 54/100. Panama ranks higher overall, but the right answer depends on your sector and risk tolerance. See the category breakdown above.
Is Panama a safer market than Vietnam?
Risk classification puts Panama as moderate (Growing economy with manageable risks - suitable for diversified portfolios) and Vietnam as moderate (Growing economy with manageable risks - suitable for diversified portfolios).
Which has higher GDP growth: Panama or Vietnam?
Panama is currently growing at 3.5% per year, vs 6.5% for Vietnam. Vietnam has the faster headline growth rate today.