Vietnam's economy sailing through the Covid-19 storm

HANOI, Dec 27 (Bernama): Vietnam has fulfilled a number of economic targets this year despite impact of Covid-19 pandemic, becoming one of the top 20 economies in the world in terms of international trade.

The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew 2 per cent, while its foreign trade value surpassed US$660 billion, up 21 per cent, with a trade surplus of about US$2.1 billion. Notably, foreign direct investment (FDI) poured into the country hit over US$29 billion, up nearly US$500 million from last year.

These achievements are attributable to efforts by the entire political system, the business community and people, along with the government’s flexible decisions and policies, according to Vietnam News Agency.

Vietnam has shifted its strategy from "zero COVID-19” to safely and flexibly adapting to and effectively controlling the pandemic, helping to maintain economic activities.

Such policies and strategies have consolidated public confidence in the government, and encouraged them to join hands in pandemic containment and economic development.

The fourth wave of pandemic outbreaks, which began late April, has prompted prolonged social distancing in a number of cities and provinces which are industrial hubs and top contributors to the State budget like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Can Tho, Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, Binh Duong and Dong Nai, resulting in sluggish production, disrupted supply chains and a decrease in the purchasing power.

Up to 1.8 million labourers lost their jobs or part of their incomes in the third quarter of this year, up 700,000 from the previous quarter, and the country’s economy contracted 6.17 per cent - the sharpest drop since Vietnam began calculating and announcing its quarterly GDP.

As a result, in the first nine months of this year, the national GDP was up only 1.42 per cent.

However, the country’s socio-economic development has bounced back since October, as informed by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the Country Strategy Dialogue on Vietnam 2021 held at the end of the month.

During the January-October period, newly-registered FDI into Vietnam rose 11.6 per cent and export went up 16.6 per cent year-on-year. The country’s consumer price index (CPI) in the 10 months inched up only 1.81 per cent.

Chinh said difficulties facing Vietnam are temporary, stressing the country’s potential, advantages and new driving forces for long-term development and macro foundation, with stable, solid major economic balances.

For a firm macro foundation, the country has issued unprecedented incentives for people and businesses affected by Covid-19, and made timely adjustments to policies.

Each locality has also adopted their own ways in implementing policies and guidelines of the government to achieve the dual goals of pandemic combat and economic development. - Bernama