Vietnam's GDP growth rate in 2018 highest in 11 years

Vietnam’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 7.08 percent in 2018, the highest in the past 11 years, the General Statistics Office (GSO) announced on December 27.

GSO Director General Nguyen Bich Lam said at a press conference that the growth rate well surpassed the target of 6.7 percent, and was the result of the strong leadership of the Government, the Prime Minister and the efforts of agencies, administrations at all levels, the business community and people nationwide. 

According to Lam, the agri-forestry-fishery sector posted an expansion of 3.76 percent and contributed 8.7 percent to the overall growth. 

The industry-construction sector recorded an 8.85 percent increase and contributed 48.6 percent to the GDP growth, while the figures for the services sector were 7.03 percent and 42.7 percent, respectively.

The export of commodities and services picked up by 14.27 percent and the import of commodities and services went up 12.81 percent. 

The growth of the agri-forestry-fishery sector was the highest in seven years, proving the positive effects of restructuring, particularly in agriculture and aquaculture. The structure of food crops has been changed towards high-quality rice varieties and production under VietGap standards. Despite a decrease in area, rice output increased by 1.24 million tonnes on a yearly basis to reach an estimated 43.98 million tonnes. The output of aquaculture also rose by 6.7 percent, reaching 4.2 million tonnes of aquatic products. 

In the industry-construction sector, the manufacturing-processing industry continued to be the driving force with a growth of 12.98 percent, which was lower than the level in 2017 but much higher than the rates during 2012-2016. 

Meanwhile, the mining sector witnessed a minus growth for the third consecutive year with a contraction of 3.11 percent, showing that the Vietnamese economy no longer depends on the exploitation of minerals and natural resources. 

The 7.03 percent growth of the service sector was also higher than the expansion rate from 2012-2016, with market services such as retail and wholesale contributing a large proportion to the rise in GDP. Total goods and service retail value this year was about 4,395.7 trillion VND (approximately 190 billion USD at current exchange rate), up 11.7 percent from last year. 

The GSO noted that the national economy’s scale in 2018 has doubled that in 2011 to reach 5,535.3 trillion VND at current prices. Per capita GDP this year is estimated at 58.5 million USD (2,587 USD), up 198 USD compared to 2017.

The economic structure continued to shift towards higher proportion of industry-construction and services, which made up 34.28 percent and 41.17 percent of the national GDP, respectively. Agriculture-forestry-fishery accounted for 14.57 percent.-VNA

VNA

Other News

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

Private economic sector poised for breakthrough growth

More than a year after the Politburo's Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private sector development came into effect, expectations now extend beyond increasing the number of enterprises. The goal is to build a stronger business community with greater resilience, larger ambitions and the capacity to compete in global supply chains.

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam remains ASEAN growth leader in 2026 despite global headwinds: WB

Vietnam is expected to remain one of ASEAN’s fastest-growing economies in 2026, supported by resilient exports, strong investment inflows and an ambitious reform agenda, despite mounting global uncertainties, according to the World Bank’s latest Vietnam Economic Update released on May 15.

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Ministry establishes monitoring framework for carbon market

Under a new circular, the exchange of greenhouse gas emission quotas and carbon credits is conducted on the domestic carbon credit exchange through the carbon trading system, which is interconnected with the national registration system.

Biofuel ready for nationwide rollout

Biofuel ready for nationwide rollout

For biofuels, particularly E10, to develop successfully, stronger and more coordinated policies are needed, especially pricing mechanisms capable of creating a sufficiently attractive gap between E10 and mineral-based petrol, an expert has said.

Vietnamese farm produce promoted at African investment, trade forum

Vietnamese farm produce promoted at African investment, trade forum

The 12th Africa Forum for Investment & Commerce (AFIC 12) opened in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, on May 9, drawing around 2,000 participants, including officials, economists, businesses, financial and development organizagtions from 43 African countries and international partners, including Vietnam.

Int'l medical, pharmaceutical expo opens in Hanoi

Int'l medical, pharmaceutical expo opens in Hanoi

The exhibition, which runs until May 9 at the Hanoi International Centre for Exhibition, showcases advanced products and technologies across a range of fields, including pharmaceuticals, drug manufacturing machinery and equipment, medical devices, hospital and clinic services and dental equipment.

Mega projects to transform Ho Chi Minh City urban landscape

Mega projects to transform Ho Chi Minh City urban landscape

Leading the charge in this massive building spree is the new central city square in the core of the Thu Thiem new urban area. Spanning more than 20 ha, it’s the crown jewel of the Central Square and new administrative center complex.

Vietnam establishes itself as one of region’s most dynamic manufacturing and supply bases

Vietnam establishes itself as one of region’s most dynamic manufacturing and supply bases

The country’s stable political and economic environment provides a critical foundation for long-term sourcing strategies. At the same time, Vietnam has demonstrated a strong ability to scale up manufacturing, supported by a continuously expanding industrial base capable of meeting both high-volume demand and increasingly complex technical and quality requirements.

Vietnamese pomelos gain broader access to Australian market

Vietnamese pomelos gain broader access to Australian market

The update by Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to its Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) on April 10, officially setting out import conditions for Vietnamese pomelos, is regarded as a major milestone in market access efforts.

Vietnam's industry spearheads transition to circular economy

Vietnam's industry spearheads transition to circular economy

The circular economy is no longer just a policy choice. It has become an inevitable trend for delivering sustainable and green growth, sharpening competitiveness at home and abroad, and meeting Vietnam’s net-zero emissions target by 2050. It is now a prerequisite to sustain long-term economic expansion, particularly in industrial production and supporting industries.

Nearly 100 tonnes of Vietnamese fruits, vegetables airlifted to UAE

Nearly 100 tonnes of Vietnamese fruits, vegetables airlifted to UAE

Vietnamese fresh produce and processed foods are increasingly recognised for their quality, with items such as cashew nuts, coffee and spices gaining popularity among Middle East consumers. In 2025, Vietnam’s farm produce exports to the UAE exceeded 445 million USD, up nearly 24% year-on-year.