Vietnam’s economy grew more than 5 percent in the second quarter, reflecting its resilience in the face of slowing export demand and mounting global risks. SEE MORE The consumer price index has been increasing for the last five months. SEE MORE India’s economy will be among the least impacted in Asia by the U.K.’s vote to exit the European Union given its relatively low exposure to trade, according to Morgan Stanley. SEE MORE Driven by higher prices in key products and services, inflation in Vietnam hit 2.35 percent in the first six months, compared to 1.72 percent recorded a year ago, according to official data.
Medical services saw the sharpest increase, 34.2 percent, from the end of last year, the General Statistics Office of Vietnam reported. Since March 1, fees of hundreds of services at public hospitals have been raised, by 30 percent on average, under the government's order.
Other baskets such as food and dining services, and houses and construction materials recorded increases between 0.58-2.32 percent.
Posts and telecommunications and transport were the only two CPI baskets that saw stable prices. Transport costs actually dropped 3.52 percent on the back of lower fuel costs.
Many economists forecast inflation will hit 6.3 percent this year, from the record low of 0.63 percent last year, news website VnEconomy reported. That will be higher than the government's projection and also its target of 5 percent. SEE MORE The rally in Asian currencies from January’s seven-year low hasn’t convinced strategists that this newfound strength can last. SEE MORE
