(VOVworld) – The Ministry of Planning and Investment has organized a seminar themed “Vietnam’s Economy 2012 – Economic Outlook for 2013”.

This year, Vietnam’s economy is influenced by a global economic downturn characterized by slow growth, budget deficits, high unemployment rates, and a debt crisis in Europe. But Vietnam’s 2012 economic growth may reach 5.2 percent, and although this is short of its 6 percent target, the country has stabilized its macro-economy and restrained inflation, through careful financial and monetary policies by the government. Pho Thi Kim Chi works for the National Center for Socio-Economic Information and Forecast: “The government has been steering the country’s 2012 economy through rough global economic fluctuations. Although Vietnam’s growth has been less than hoped, the country overall economic development has been encouraging. The government’s financial and monetary policies have restrained inflation, improved capital markets, and lowered interest rates. There has been consensus at all levels for restructuring policies.”

Vietnam may recover its economic growth next year, since the economies in Europe and the US appear to be on the road to recovery. Vietnam’s economic stability is creating competitive advantages in export and investment. Economists forecast that foreign direct investment capital and official development assistance capital will increase. Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Dang Huy Dong said: “We should carefully assess the current situation and do our best to forecast economic trends to better manage and mobilize our resources.”