New report charts path for Vietnam’s clinical trial growth

This publication offers a comprehensive analysis of the country’s clinical research landscape, and provides actionable strategies to position Vietnam among ASEAN’s top three clinical trial and research and development (R&D) destinations by 2030, identifying key opportunities, barriers, and actions to unlock clinical research potential.

The seminar on the report launching attracts many participants

Attending the launch ceremony were representatives from Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Centre, Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, and representatives from hospitals, universities, research institutes, and pharmaceutical and healthcare companies.

Over the past two decades, Vietnam has made sustained investments in expanding healthcare access and strengthening its public health system, achieving universal health insurance coverage for 95 per cent of the population.

Last December, the Politburo issued a resolution outlining a commitment to developing domestic innovation capabilities and allocating 2 per cent of GDP to R&D.

With a population exceeding 100 million, Vietnam offers vast potential for clinical research.

Its diverse population structure is particularly well-suited for studying complex diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, infectious diseases, and metabolic conditions.

These inherent advantages are further strengthened by government initiatives to improve the business environment, which are increasingly attracting global pharmaceutical companies and contract research organisations.

At the ceremony, Darrell Oh, chairman of Pharma Group, noted that clinical trials represent Vietnam’s next frontier for healthcare R&D advancement. From the innovative pharmaceutical industry’s perspective, Vietnam possesses strong potential to emerge as a competitive regional destination for clinical research.

“Realising this ambition will require prioritised policies and initiatives that attract and facilitate clinical trial investments- particularly in early-stage trials. Such dedicated efforts and multi-stakeholder collaboration would unlock a multitude of economic, scientific, and health benefits. This aligns perfectly with national strategies and Vietnam’s goal to become a top-three ASEAN destination for high-value investments,” said Oh.

In addition to opportunities, the report identifies five key challenges Vietnam must overcome, including a lengthy and multi-step approval process that can take 6–12 months; limited research infrastructure with only 40 GCP-certified sites nationwide; a shortage of specialised human resources; a lack of structured funding mechanisms; and the absence of strong incentive policies to attract investment in the sector.

The report provides strategic recommendations to position Vietnam as a leading regional clinical trial destination, categorised into policy and non-policy measures with short-term, medium-term, and long-term implementation timeframes.

According to KPMG estimates, if these reforms are effectively implemented, Vietnam could reach 86 trials with a 24.3 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) and a market value of $749.5 million with an 88.6 per cent CAGR by 2029.

This would generate thousands of high-quality jobs, elevate Vietnam's global standing in medical research, and offer early access to cutting-edge treatments.

Policy recommendations focus on regulatory reforms, streamlined approval mechanisms, and investment incentives. Meanwhile, non-policy recommendations address infrastructure improvements, workforce and R&D capability development, dedicated clinical trial support, and public-private partnerships.

To support advanced research, Vietnam also needs to expand its network of Good Clinical Practice-certified facilities and establish standardised clinical trial units.

Critically, the report recommends the establishment of a national Centre of Excellence to serve as a platform connecting hospitals and research institutes as an accelerator for trial approvals and global partnerships, ultimately positioning Vietnam as a competitive clinical research destination.

Luke Treloar from KPMG noted that the report represents the culmination of in-depth research, multi-stakeholder dialogue, and a shared vision for the sustainable development of Vietnam’s healthcare sector.

“We are proud to have partnered with the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit in developing a comprehensive roadmap for the future of clinical trials in Vietnam. We strongly believe that with the right policy framework and continued multi-stakeholder collaboration, Vietnam is poised to become a leading hub for clinical trials in Southeast Asia, driving sustainable growth and advancing healthcare innovation in the region,” said Treloar.

Guy Thwaites, director of the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, said, “By streamlining regulatory processes, investing in cutting-edge infrastructure, and fostering dynamic public-private partnerships, Vietnam can match global standards in trial efficiency and data integrity. This strategic alignment will not only drive innovation in therapeutic research but also position Vietnam as a regional hub for pioneering life-saving treatments."

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