Officials are optimistic following 11 percent growth in the first half, a feat they say that is likely to be repeated in the second.

Thai Van Re, director of the Department of Planning and Development, said the GDP has grown to VND162 trillion (US$8.5 billion) by June end, 11 percent up year on year.

It is the highest growth rate since 2008, which has prompted officials to predict growth of between 11 percent and 12 percent in the second half.

The Vietnamese economy is expected to have achieved between 6 per cent and 6.1 percent growth in the first six months, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said earlier this month the economy is likely to expand at 6.5 percent to 7 percent this year.

It grew at 5.32 percent last year.

Source:tuoitrenews