Rethinking international economic integration in the context of Globalization 2.0

This study examines the defining characteristics of Globalization 2.0, including rapid technological development, strategic competition, supply chain security, digital transformation, and increasingly stringent sustainability standards. These changes have made international economic linkages more complex and more strongly influenced by geopolitical and national-security considerations. Accordingly, international economic integration can no longer focus solely on market opening, participation in trade agreements, or the utilization of tariff preferences. Vietnam needs to shift from a mindset of participation to strategic positioning and from exploiting preferences to strengthening national capabilities and competitiveness. Based on an assessment of opportunities, challenges, and Vietnam’s integration experience, the paper proposes directions involving institutional reform, supply chain resilience, technological and digital capacity, green transformation, human resource development, and more proactive participation in shaping international economic rules.