Taking Stock: An Update on Vietnam's Recent Economic Developments

A broad-based recovery in global economic activity has been taking hold since late 2016. Despite some moderation in economic activity in the first half of 2017, Vietnam’s economy continues to show fundamental strength. Vietnam’s medium-term outlook remains positive. Real GDP growth is projected to accelerate slightly to 6.3 percent in 2017, underpinned by buoyant domestic demand, rebounding agricultural production, and strong export-oriented manufacturing, aided by a recovery in external demand, which will be only partially offset by declining oil production. This special focus issue is part of a two-part series on fiscal reforms.