Vietnam Economy Grows Stably

The Vietnamese economy continued developing very well in the first four months of 2006. The export turnover was estimated to reach US$12.11 billion from January to April, up 25.1 per cent on year, while import revenues were projected at US$12.332 billion, up 6.9 per cent, according to statistics from the General Statistics Office (GSO).

 

ODA capital sources regularised by the agreements signed with sponsors from the beginning of the year to April 11 hit US$1.289 billion, comprising of US$1.194 billion loans and non-refundable loans. The ODA disbursement between January and April was some US$360 million, fulfilling 19 per cent of this year’s plan.

 

The industrial production value over the four months rose 15.6 per cent on year. The non-State-run sector increased 20.2 per cent, the foreign invested sector up 18 per cent and the State sector up 8.3 per cent.

 

The agricultural production also secured stable growth. From the beginning of the year, no new avian influenza outbreaks were detected. The total four-month fishery output exceeded 1.1 million tonnes, up 6 per cent on year.

 

The tourism industry is also in good shape. International arrivals to Vietnam reached nearly 1.3 million between January and April, up 15.9 per cent year on year. As of the end of April 2006, the post and telecom sector signed up 17.74 million telephone subscribers, or 21.25 phones/100 persons.