Vietnam sees positive economic signals in H1

Inflation is not a major concern for Vietnam in 2013 as it can be kept at a lower level than last year, and the country sees positive economic signals in the first half of this year, Vietnamese Cabinet members shared the view at their monthly meeting here Thursday chaired by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung. Participants to the meeting reviewed the country's socio- economic situation in June and the first half of this year, the implementation of government resolutions, inspection, and anti- corruption work, administration reform, and other issues, the state-run Voice of Vietnam reported. Minister of Planning and Investment (MPI) Bui Quang Vinh said the macro-economy has grown significantly. Many economic sectors have contributed to raising the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth level to 5 percent in the second quarter, higher than the first quarter, and to 4.9 percent in the first half of this year. Industrial production, especially in the processing and manufacturing sectors is now back on track, while the services sector shows some significant growth. Export earnings are higher than the set targets but import surplus is lower. Meanwhile, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV)'s decision to cut deposit and loan rates in the first half of this year has helped iron out snags in business operation. The amount of deposits and loans is increasing to ensure bank liquidity. Credit growth declined in January but began to go up as of February. According to the SBV, the Vietnam Asset Management Company ( VAMC) will be put into operation in the near future to help deal with bad debts and accelerate the flow of capital in the remaining months of this year. Exchange rates tend to increase slightly and the foreign exchange market is rather stable. The SBV is now capable of buying large amounts of foreign currencies for reservation. However, there remain difficulties and challenges to overcome as macroeconomic growth is not really stable, said MPI minister, adding that although inflation is under control there is some risk that it can rear its ugly head time and again. In the second half of this year, synchronous measures must be undertaken while implementing the country's social and economic development goals for 2013, instructed the prime minister, adding that attention must be paid to curbing inflation, stabilizing the macro economy and maintaining the growth at 5.5 percent.