HANOI — Vietnamese brands are being urged to strengthen their role as a strategic competitive advantage for the national economy by moving beyond cost-based advantages toward value creation, innovation, and deeper integration into global value chains, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung said at a ceremony in Hanoi unveiling the 2026 Vietnam National Brand awardees.

This year, 499 products from 227 businesses across diverse sectors were honored, including processing and manufacturing, agriculture and food, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, finance and banking, telecommunications and technology, transport and logistics, as well as trade and services. The awards recognize companies that have demonstrated not only brand recognition but also high standards in product quality, governance, technology application, innovation, market responsiveness, and social responsibility.

Launched more than two decades ago, the Vietnam National Brand program has established a unified framework to enhance the brand value of Vietnamese businesses. Since its inception, the number of companies featured has increased more than sevenfold, from 30 in 2008 to 227 in 2026. Notably, 14 enterprises have consistently earned the title in all ten rounds of selection, while 84 have been recognized at least five times.

Vietnam’s total national brand value reached nearly US$462.28 billion in 2026, representing a 45.14% increase from 2020 and placing the country 32nd among 193 nations. Among the top ten most valuable brands this year, five belong to Vietnamese businesses with nationally recognized products, collectively accounting for approximately 69.1% of the group’s total value.

The 2026 evaluation process incorporated revised criteria to reflect emerging economic priorities, placing greater emphasis on innovation, research and development, science and technology application, intellectual property, digital transformation, green growth, and workforce development. This shift underscores the government’s focus on building sustainable brands that contribute to long-term economic resilience and global competitiveness.