Inflation projected to drop to below 3 percent in 2017

Market research firm MarketIntello has forecast that Vietnam’s inflation may fall to below 3 percent, lower than the rate of 3.8 percent it predicted last month.
Inflation projected to drop to below 3 percent in 2017 ảnh 1The CPI decreased 0.53 percent in May compared with April, pushing inflation down to 3.19 percent, the lowest since September 2016. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Market research firm MarketIntellohas forecast that Vietnam’s inflation may fall to below 3 percent, lower thanthe rate of 3.8 percent it predicted last month.

According to the company’s latest macro-economy report,the inflation rate was trending downward because of falling prices of freshfoods as well as oil and petroleum products.

Data from the General Statistics Office show thatConsumer Price Index (CPI) decreased 0.53 percent in May compared with April, pushinginflation down to 3.19 percent, the lowest since September 2016.

Price sub-indices of foods and food services plunged tothe lowest in 16 years, indicating strong growth in supply and weakening demand.The main reason behind this is a price drop of pork causing by oversupply ofpigs and Chinese traders’ move to halt purchases.

The diplomatic crisis betweenQatar and other Gulf states has affected the recovery of global crude oilprices, indirectly affectingthe Vietnamese government's plan to exploit 1 million tonnes of oil. One of thegovernment’s short-term solutions to support economic growth is to pump out anadditional 1 million tonnes of crude oil, MarketIntello Managing Director DinhTuan Minh said.

The plan will work out well if crude oil prices rebound,otherwise the extra exploitation will lead to more losses, he added.

The market researcher kept its May projection of 6.1percent for the country’s economic growth this year.

Due to lower CPI, the interest rate will continue to inchdown, but the contraction should not be significant as the credit growth rateis higher than that of deposits. Nevertheless, against the pressure of risingUS interest rate, there may be some VND rate hikes from the State Bank of Vietnam(SBV) to protect the exchange rate level.

The exchange rate increased by 0.5 percent this year,lower than the previous forecast of 1.5-2 percent, thanks to Vietnam’s stabletrade balance, positive capital account and stronger foreign exchange reserves.-VNA
VNA

See more

Production at a small enterprise in Thanh Hoa province. Linkages will help small and medium sized enterprises diversify markets. (Photo: VNA)

Local businesses should strengthen links to overcome global challenges: Experts

Tran Thi Hong Minh, Director of the Institute for Policy and Strategy Studies under the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Policies and Strategies, said: "In a world of rapid and complex changes, linkages help businesses diversify markets, connect with new models and better use resources. They are also critical in mitigating risks and enhancing overall competitiveness.”

Nestlé Vietnam announces investment expansion in Vietnam operations (Photo: thanhnien.vn)

Nestlé announces investment expansion in Vietnam operations

Since 2011, Nestlé’s NESCAFÉ Plan has supported over 21,000 coffee farming households in adopting internationally recognised sustainable farming practices. These efforts have helped reduce water use by 40–60%, cut chemical fertiliser use by 20%, and increase farmers' incomes by 30–150% through crop diversification

Vietnam to diversify markets for agricultural products amid global trade shifts. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam to diversify markets for agricultural products amid global trade shifts

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), Vietnam’s agricultural product exports are inevitably affected by disruptions in global supply chains and the imposition of unilateral, stringent tariff policies by major economies. Nonetheless, these challenges also present an opportunity for Vietnam to adjust its export strategy and focus more intently on emerging and high-potential markets.

Delegates commence the construction of AEON Hai Duong Shopping Centre in Hai Duong Province on April 19. (Photo courtesy of AEON Vietnam)

Construction of AEON Hai Duong Shopping Centre kicked off

With a total investment of around 1.18 trillion VND (45.6 million USD), the AEON Hai Duong Shopping Centre is designed with a total floor area of approximately 3.6 hectares. Spanning an estimated gross floor area (GFA) of roughly 38,100 sq.m, the shopping centre will feature ample parking space for nearly 600 cars and 1,200 motorcycles.

Hai Phong hosts a conference on green transition and sustainable development. (Photo: congluan)

Hai Phong’s green growth sees both progress and obstacles

As part of its 2024 green growth efforts, Hai Phong implemented initiatives across 17 sectors. These included building and refining legal and policy frameworks as well as strengthening state management in line with green growth objectives.

Chanh Thon carpentry village in Nam Tien commune, Phu Xuyen district, Hanoi (Source: nongthonmoihanoi.gov.vn)

Hanoi to develop 254-million-USD industrial cluster

Until 2030, Hanoi looks to have 159 industrial clusters covering a total area of 3,204 ha, expand five clusters established between 2017 and 2020 with a total area of about 45 ha, and build 21 new ones covering about 536 ha.