VN economic growth to be fastest in region

The Vietnamese economy is expected to grow at around 6.7 per cent this year, the fastest rate in Southeast Asia, according to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales’ recent Economic Insight: South East Asia report.

According to the report, Southeast Asian economies except Vietnam have seen exports drop in the second quarter of this year compared to the same period last year, while Vietnam’s exports grew albeit slower than last year.

Its economy grew at 6.8 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter driven by strong manufacturing, steady services and higher agricultural output.

However, its economic momentum is expected to trend lower due to reduced Chinese demand for goods and rising trade protectionism.

While the escalating US-China trade war could benefit Vietnam in the short term due to trade diversion, the country still heavily relies on China, with its exports to the country accounting for around 10 per cent of GDP in 2017.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) and manufacturing are expected to remain big drivers of economic growth. According to the Foreign Investment Agency, FDI disbursed in the first two months of this year increased by 9.8 per cent year-on-year to around $2.6 billion.

Manufacturing received the most attention from foreign investors.

Vietnam’s close proximity to China and favourable labour conditions, including affordable wages, would ensure that FDI remains strong in the medium term, with Vietnam’s improving infrastructure, its accession to trade agreements and FDI attraction policies are also favourable factors.

Domestic demand will remain strong in 2019-20 with steady household spending, inflation and rising incomes.

Tourism is also expected to remain strong. Mark Billington, ICAEW’s regional director, Greater China and South East Asia, said while Vietnam’s economy would grow despite the trade war and other external factors that challenge export growth in the region, measures are needed to ensure FDI inflows remain steady.

Structural reforms to improve firms’ ability to do business and adequate education and training to boost production are vital, he added.

The report said Southeast Asian economic growth is expected to be 4.8 per cent this year, down from 5.3 per cent last year.

In the first five months of this year, exports increased by 19.8 per cent while imports increased by 23.6 per cent, said Vietnam Association of Accountants and Auditors chairman Dang Van Thanh.

Vietnam faces several problems such as slow institutional transformation, low value addition in processing, low labour productivity, and limitations in education. VIET NAM NEWS/ASIA NEWS NETWORK