Vietnam’s economy grows 6.79% in first quarter
The Vietnamese economy expanded 6.79% in the first quarter of 2019, the General Statistics Office (GSO) announced on March 29.
According to GSO Director Nguyen Bich Lam, stable growth was seen in the agro-forestry-aquaculture; industry and construction; and service sectors, with respective increases of 2.68%, 8.63% and 6.5%.
Illustrative photo: VNA
Notably, the industrial sector climbed 8.95% compared to the same period last year. Processing and manufacturing was the pillar of the growth, scaling up 12.35%.
The service industry saw great contributions from wholesale and retail sales, financial, banking and insurance activities, accommodations and restaurants, transportation and warehouses.
Trade and service activities in the quarter also saw expanded growth. The total retail sales and services revenue climbed 12% year-on-year, exceeding VND1,184 trillion (nearly US$50.9 billion).
Lam said the macro-economy was stable while inflation was controlled at the lowest level in the last three years.
The investment and business environment has improved, helping lift the number of newly-established firms to the highest level in the last five years.
Recommended
National
Vietnam Fatherland Front Launches “Month for Listening to the People” and “Digital Villages”
Following the 11th National Congress of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF), VFF leaders announced that they will review all emulation movements, boldly terminate activities deemed merely formalistic, and simultaneously introduce new models such as the “Month for Listening to the People,” “Digital Front,” and “Digital Villages” to strengthen direct engagement with citizens and improve the effectiveness of supervision and social criticism.
May 14, 2026 | 10:45
National
Bui Thi Minh Hoai Re-elected President of Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee for 2026-2031
On the morning of May 13, continuing the working agenda, the 11th National Congress of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) heard a report on the results of the first conference of the 11th Central Committee of the VFF for the 2026-2031 term.
May 14, 2026 | 10:18
National
Vietnam News Today (May 14): Vietnam, Singapore Trade Unions Strengthen Cooperation in Workforce Development
Vietnam News Today (May 14): Vietnam, Laos ink 2026–2030 culture-tourism cooperation plan; Vietnam, Singapore trade unions strengthen cooperation in workforce development; Australia reaffirms development commitment to Vietnam with increased ODA funding; Vietnam shifts toward high-quality FDI as investors call for stronger reforms.
May 14, 2026 | 07:00
National
Five Key Priorities of the Vietnam Fatherland Front in the New Term
On May 12, the 11th National Congress of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) for the 2026-2031 tenure officially opened in Hanoi. In his keynote address, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam emphasized that this Congress marks the beginning of a new development phase for the VFF, characterized by a new position, a new organizational model, and new tasks and requirements. He also stressed that the Front must truly serve as a place that unites the people’s will, reflects public aspirations, and protects the legitimate rights and interests of the people. The Party General Secretary and State President further highlighted five key groups of tasks for the VFF in the new tenure.
May 13, 2026 | 10:30
National
Vietnam News Today (May 13): Government Chief Hails Positive Developments in Vietnam-China Relations
Vietnam News Today (May 13): Government chief hails positive developments in Vietnam-China relations; EU’s global gateway strategy boosts sustainable investment, connectivity in Vietnam; ISI shows rising confidence in innovation among Vietnamese businesses; Vietnam Festival in Tokyo eyes higher turnout.
May 13, 2026 | 07:00
National
Vietnam Fatherland Front Must Better Harness Strength of Great National Unity: Top Leader
In the new era, great national unity is not only a spiritual tradition, but also a national development capacity and a source of strength to unlock resources and creativity, create social consensus, and safeguard the country early and from afar. Unity now means respecting legitimate differences, harmonising interests, taking national interests as common ground, and rallying all patriotic Vietnamese around the aspiration to build a peaceful, independent, democratic, strong, prosperous, civilised, and happy Vietnam, the top leader said.
May 12, 2026 | 13:50
National
Proposal to Enhance Overseas Vietnamese Resources and Improve Effectiveness of People-to-People Diplomacy
On May 11, at Discussion Center No. 4 of the 11th National Congress of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) for the 2026-2031 term, delegates proposed continuing to innovate people-to-people diplomacy activities in a more professional and substantive direction, while also developing mechanisms to effectively harness the resources of more than six million overseas Vietnamese, particularly intellectuals, experts, and entrepreneurs within the diaspora community.
May 12, 2026 | 11:16
National
The 11th National Congress of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Holds Preparatory Session
On May 11, more than 1,300 delegates attending the 11th National Congress of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) for the 2026-2031 tenure convened for a preparatory session at the National Convention Center in Hanoi.
May 12, 2026 | 10:31