Vietnam moves to No. 43 out of 100 countries this year, a two-place jump from last year, with a national brand value of US$235 billion.
The number represents a 16% increase from the 2017 edition of the Brand Finance report, which has been aiming to connect finance and marketing in regards to nations' economies since 1996. It takes into consideration such factors as the ability to attract internal and external investment, adding value to exports, tourism, and the size of skilled labor force.
The report credits Vietnam's strong position, in part, to a US$17 billion processed food industry and US$22 billion in apparel exports. Both sectors are succeeding thanks to "Vietnam Value," a government program established to set quality standards for local products and then promote those that achieve them.
The US topped the list with a brand value of US$25.9 trillion, followed by China at US$12.8 triillion and Germany at US$5.147 trillion. The UK and Japan rounded out the top five.
In Southeast Asia, Indonesia was No. 1 with a brand value of US$848 billion. Vietnam was also behind Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore, which was cited as having the highest score for the lists Brand Strength Index from its high levels of education and quality of life.
