Chuck Kuhn's Asia in Photos: Vietnam economy expands 4.59 percent in 9 months

Monday, September 28, 2009

Vietnam economy expands 4.59 percent in 9 months

Vietnam gross domestic product grew 4.59 percent in the first nine months of the year, up from 3.9 percent in the first half, the Ministry of Planning and Investment said Monday.

The growth was led by the service sector, which expanded 5.91 percent over the period. The industry-construction sector posted a growth of 4.48 percent and the agriculture sector 1.57 percent.

In the third quarter alone, growth accelerated to 5.76 percent, compared to the second quarterâ€™s 4.46 percent and 3.1 percent in the first-quarter. The first quarter growth was the slowest on record over the last decade. The ministry said the acceleration means the economy was improving although the growth rates are lower than last year.

The government is targeting a 5.2 percent expansion for the year, followed by 6.5 percent in 2010.

The Asian Development Bank on September 22 revised upwards its 2009 GDP growth forecast for Vietnam to 4.7 percent from the 4.5 percent it projected in March.

Source: VNA

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They say "

“I can’t say what made me fall in love with Vietnam - that a woman’s voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colors, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the filthy rain in London. They say whatever you’re looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that’s the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from. But at night, there’s a breeze. The river is beautiful. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war; that the gunshots were fireworks; that only pleasure matters. A pipe of opium, or the touch of a girl who might tell you she loves you. And then, something happens, as you knew it would. And nothing can ever be the same again.”
― Graham Greene, The Quiet American

Tips on Travel to Vietnam

It's always warm in Southeast Asia apart from high mountains, so leave the heavy clothing at home. Cotton and breathable fabrics are always better than synthetics -- although cotton does wrinkle a lot when traveling! December through April is roughly the dry season in that region, although it can still rain a little. December is a good time to go in terms of temperature -- cooler than in the humid summertime. Either way, wearing more clothing (shirt sleeves and long pants) is always more respectful towards the Asian culture, especially when visiting temples and rural areas.