VIETNAM'S EXPORT GROWTH RATE UP, BUT FALLS SHORT OF TARGETS.

AsiaPulse News, November, 2002

HANOI, Nov 11 Asia Pulse - With over US$16 billion in export revenue notched up this year, Vietnam's export growth rate will increase by 7 per cent over last year, said trade ministry officials and local exporters.

Economists have concurred with this forecast, which means Vietnam's growth rates will fall short of Government targets.

The Government has set an annual GDP growth rate target of 7.5 per cent for 2001-05, and a 15 per cent annual increase for exports.

Vietnam's key exports include crude oil, footwear, textiles and garments, agricultural products and seafood.

Officials pointed out that a number of factors were currently hindering Vietnam's export performance, such as fluctuations in the world crude oil market; tough competition...