Vietnam GDP +7.3%

The good pace of industrial production in Vietnam keeps GDP growth up to speed. General Statistics Office of Vietnam just released preliminary third-quarter growth figures, which were surprisingly good; growth of 7.31% from last year and thus a nine-month GDP growth rate of 6.98%.

Tax collection has also gone well and even exceeded expectations; + 12.3% growth in January-August.

The Vietnamese government could have boosted the country’s economic growth if it had been more efficient in its budget disbursements. Public investment is lagging behind targets this year, as government-backed anti-corruption audits in the public administration have slowed down processes among public authorities.