SOCIO-ECONOMIC SITUATION IN 1ST QUARTER OF 2013

Agriculture, forestry and fishery rose 2.24 percent, contributed 0.31 point percent to the general growth rate and lower than the 2.81% pace in 1st Quarter of 2012 (agriculture rose 2.03 percent, lower than the rate of 2.37% in 2012’same period; forestry rose 5.38percent, higher than the growth rate of 4.97% in 2012’same period; fishery rose 2.28percent, lower than the growth rate of 4.05% in 2012’ same period). Industry and construction rose 4.93percent, contributed 1.98 points percent and lower than the 5.15% pace in the same period in 2012 (industry rose 4.95 percent, lower than the increase rate of 5.80percent in 2012’same period and construction rose 4.79 percent, higher than the 0.77% increase in 2012’ same period); service rose 5.65percent, contributed 2.60 points percent and higher than the growth rate of 4.99 percent in last year’ same period.
   
+ Gross Domestic Products in 1st Quarter of 2013

Agriculture, forestry and fishery

The production value of this sector in 1st Quarter of 2013 at 2010 comparative prices was estimated to rise 2.6 percent from last year’ same period, of which agriculture obtained a growth rate of 2.5 percent; forestry 5.8percent and fishery 2.5 percent.

Agriculture

As of mid-March, provinces in the South completed the harvest of 1,123,300 ha of winter-spring rice, equaling 134.4percent from last year ‘same period, of which the Mekong delta fulfilled 1,090,700 ha, represented 68% of sown area and equaled 135.5 percent. Preliminary estimates showed that the region’s winter-spring rice productivity reached 6,840 kg/ha, reduced to 20 kg/ha. Rice yield was estimated to rise 100,000 tons against 2012’s winter-spring crops.

According to preliminary reports, the country’s flock of buffalos and oxen decreased about 3-4percent from last year’ same period; pigs by about 1-2percent (estimated output of delivered live-weight pork in this Quarter only approximately equaled that in 1st Quarter of 2012); poultry by about 2-3percent (output of fowls’ meat slightly increased against the same period last year).

+ Production value of agriculture, forestry & fishery At 2010 comparative prices
+ Agricultural production as of March 15, 2013

Forestry

In three beginning months of the year, total concentrated planted area was estimated to reduce to 17.6% from last year’ same period; decentralized planted trees rose 3.2percent; wood production by 8.2%; firewood production by 3.1%. Although newly concentrated planted area decreased but as the wood production obtained a rather high growth against last year’ same period, forestry production value still had a considerable increase.

Fishery

The Quarter’s total estimated fishing production rose 1.1percent from the same period last year, of which aquaculture production decreased by 2.3%; catching production increased by 3.9%.

The aquaculture met difficulties as it was unprofitable in shark catfish production for long period. It was forecasted that this would continue to decrease in coming months. Mekong delta ‘shark catfish production in the first three months of the year was estimated to decreased by 15percent from the same period in 2012.

The catching was generally stable due to favorable weather. The exploitation of big fish and tuna continued to be strongly developed in some provinces.

+ Fishing production in 1st Quarter of 2013

Industry

March’s Industrial Production Index (IPI) (2010 was taken as comparative base year) rose 5.6percent from last year’ same period, of which mining and quarrying obtained a growth rate of 3.6percent; manufacturing 5.9%; power production and supply 7.3%; water supply and wastes treatment 10.9%.

Generally, 1st Quarter’s IPI rose 4.9percent from last year’ same period (lower than last year’ same period 5.9percent growth rate), of which mining and quarrying (represented 21.3% of the whole industrial sector’s value added) obtained a growth rate of 2.1percent (in the same period last year, the corresponding figure was 3.6%); respectively, manufacturing (represented 70.9%) 5.4percent (5.9% in the same period last year); power production and supply (represented 6.7%) 8.5percent (12.5percent in the same period last year); water supply and wastes treatment (represented 1.1%) 9.5percent (8.4% in the same period last year).

of 4.9% general growth rate in 1st Quarter, mining and quarrying contributed 0.4 point percent; manufacturing 3.8 points percent; power production and supply 0.6 point percent and và water supply and wastes treatment 0.1 point percent.

The consumption index for the manufacturing in two beginning months of the year rose 4.1percent from last year’ same period. The stock index as of 01/3/2013 for the whole manufacturing sector rose 16.5percent from last year’ same period, lower than the growth rate of 19.9percent in the same period in 2012.

+ Industrial production index
+ Main industrial products

Service

Total retailed sales of consumer goods and services

As estimated, 1st Quarter’s total retailed sales of consumer goods and services rose 11.7percent from the same period in 2012, if the factor of inflation were excluded, it would be 4.5%, lower than the growth rate of 4.7% in last year’ same period, of which trade business rose10.8percent; hotel and restaurant 15.4percent; service 15.3percent; tourist 4percent.

+ Total retail sales of consumer goods and services

Carriage of passengers and cargos

First Quarter’s passenger carriage was estimated to rise 6.8percent by passengers carried and  5.9percent by passengers-kilometers carried from the same period in 2012, of which land transport rose 7percent and  6.7percent; river 5.3 percent and 10.7 percent; airway decreased by 2.2 percent and increased by 3.4percent; seaway rose 1.7percent and 1.4percent; railway decreased by 4.4percent and 4.7percent respectively.

First Quarter’s cargo carriage was estimated to rise 4.9percent by tons carried and decreased by 6.1percent by tons-kilometers carried from last year’ same period, of which the domestic transport rose 5.8 percent by tons carried and 4.2percent by tons-kilometers carried; the overseas transport reduced to 8.4percent and 9.3percent respectively. Similarly, land transport rose 7.1percent and 5.5percent; river transport reduced to 0.4percent and 2.8percent; seaway slowed down 9.8percent and 10.4percent; railway reduced to 5.1percent and 7.4percent.

+ Carriage of passengers & cargo

International visitors to Viet Nam

International visitors to Viet Nam in 3 first months of 2013 were at an estimation of over 1,800,000 arrival, reduced to 6.2percent from last year’ same period, of which visitors coming for tourist purposes occupied great proportion (61.3%) but decreased by 4.7percent; for business purposes reduced to 4.8percent.

+ International visitors to Vietnam

STABILISE MACROECONOMY, CURB INFLATION

Construction, investment & development

Construction

First Quarter’s construction production value at 2010 comparative prices was estimated to grow by 4.9percent against the same period in 2012, of which the state sector increased by 9.8percent; the non-state sector by 3.9percent and the FDI sector by 11.7percent.

Investment development

First Quarter’s realized social investment capital at current prices was at an estimation of 202.6 trillion dong, rose 5.5percent from the same period last year and equaled 29.6% of GDP. Of which state capital was 74.8 trillion dong, rose 2.5% (capital from the state budget reached 35.2 trillion dong, declined by 4.9%); the non-state sector 74.8 trillion dong, rose 11.6percent; the FDI sector 53 trillion dong, rose 1.9percent.

Attracted FDI from beginning of the year to 20/3/2013 reached USD 6,034.2 million, a growth of 63.6percent against the corresponding figure in 2012’ same period. Of which, the registered capital of 191 newly licensed projects reached USD 2,927 million (decreased by 26.3percent in projects and increased by 2.2percent in registered capital against last year’ same period); additional registered capital of 71 times of projects licensed from previous years was USD 3,107.2 million. The Quarter’s realized FDI was at an estimation of USD 2.7 billion, rose7.1percent from 2012’ same period.

Newly FDI registered capital invested in manufacturing reached USD 5,539.3 million, represented 91.8% of total registered capital, real estate business USD 249.8 million, represented 4.1percent; others USD 245.1 million, represented 4.1%.

+ Realized development investments under State Budget
+ Licensed FDI projects, 01/01- 20/3/2013

Government revenues and expenditures

Total Government revenues from the beginning of the year to 15/3/2013 were at an estimation of 136.3 trillion dong, equaling 16.7% of the yearly estimate, of which domestic revenues reached 93.1 trillion dong, equaling 17.1%; from crude oil 20.8 trillion dong, equaling 21%; from export-import balance 21.8 trillion dong, equaling 13.1%. Of the domestic revenues, collecting from state enterprises was 29.6 trillion dong, equaling 17% of the yearly estimate; from FDI enterprises (excluding crude oil) 20.1 trillion dong, equaling 18.7%; from non-state industrial, commercial and service taxes 20.9 trillion dong, equaling 17.4%; from individual income tax 10 trillion dong, equaling 18.2%; from environment protection tax 2.3 trillion dong, equaling 15.8%; and from other fees 1.8 trillion dong, equaling 17.5%.

Total Government expenditures from the beginning of the year to 15/3/2013 were at an estimation of 171.9 trillion dong, equaling 17.6% of the yearly estimate, of which spending for investment development reached 26.9 trillion dong, equaling 15.4% (only spending for capital construction was 26 trillion dong, equaling 15.3%); spending for economic and social development, national defense and security 124.4 trillion dong, equaling 18.9%; paying debts and aids was 20.6 trillion dong, equaling 19.6%.

Exports-Imports

Exports

Generally, export turnovers in 2013’ 1st Quarter were at an estimation of USD 29.7 billion, rose 19.7percent from last year’ same period (if the factor of price rise were excluded, the figures would be USD 31 billion, grew by25.1%), of which the domestic economic sector gained USD10.4 billion, rose 10.1%; and the FDI sector (including crude oil) reached USD 19.3 billion, continued to rapidly increase by 25.6%. FDI sector occupied nearly 65% of total export turnovers and contributed 15.8 points percent to the general growth; the domestic sector occupied 35% and contributed 3.9 points percent.

About the structure of exported goods in 1st Quarter, heavy industrial and mineral items occupied estimated 45.5percent (higher than the rate of 42.7% in 1st Quarter of 2012); light industrial and handicraft items 35.5% (lower than the rate 37% in 1st Quarter of 2012); agro-forestry items 13.5% (lower than the rate of 15.1% in 1st Quarter of 2012); fishing items 4.2% (lower than the rate of 5.2% in 1st Quarter of 2012). Exported gold occupied estimated 1.3% (there was no this item in 1st Q. of 2012).

About markets for exportation in 1st Q. of 2013, EU was the largest one with estimated export turnovers of USD 5.7 billion, rose 32percent from 2012’ same period. Following were the United States with USD 4.9 billion, rose 17%; ASEAN with USD 4.7 billion, rose 29.4%; China with nearly USD 3 billion, and rose 8.2%.

+ Exports

Imports

Generally, estimated import turnovers in 1st Q. of 2013 reached  USD 29.2 billion, rose 17percent from the same period last year, in equivalent to USD 4.2 billion (if the factor of price rise were excluded, the figures would be USD 30 billion and grow by 20.4percent), of which the domestic economic sector gained USD 13.1 billion, occupied 44.7% of total import turnovers, rose 7.9percent and contributed 3.8 points percent to the general growth; respectively, the FDI sector USD 16.1 billion, occupied 55.3%, rose 25.5%, in equivalent to USD 3.3 billion and contributed 13.2 points percent.

High increase in import turnovers resulted from imported items for assembling goods for exportation. Many items had higher growth rates for import turnovers against the corresponding figures in last year’ same period like: electronics, computers, accessories 51.5percent; telephones and accessories 86.7percent; plastic 17.7percent; animal feed and supplies 64.9percent; normal metal 22percent; plastic products 20.8percent; means of transport and spare parts 126.3percent; cotton 34.6percent. Items with decreased rates for import turnovers against the corresponding figures in last year’ same period were: gasoline 27.8percent; chemical 4.9percent; wheat 46.5percent; motorbike 24.5percent.

About the structure of imported goods in 1st Quarter, means of production occupied 91.5percent of total import turnovers, of which machinery, equipment and means of transport occupied 38.3%; raw materials 53.2%, consumer goods 7.1% and gold 1.4%.

About markets for importation in 1st Q. of 2013, China was still the largest one with USD 7.6 billion import turnovers, rose 31% from 2012’ same period. Following were ASEAN with USD 5.1 billion, rose 4.6%; Republic of Korea USD 4.9 billion, rose 47%; EU: USD 2.2 billion rose 20%; the United States USD 1.2 billion, rose 3.3%.

Trade deficits in March were USD 300 million, but as trade surplus in January and February was USD 781 million, trade surplus in 1st Q. of 2013 was USD 481 million, equaling 1.6% of total export turnovers, of which the FDI sector had trade surplus of USD 3.1 billion; the domestic sector had trade deficits of USD 2.6 billion.

+ Imports

Price indexes

Consumer price indexes (CPI)

March’s CPI reduced to 0.19percent against the previous month. Among groups of goods and services, catering and related service had most decreased rate of 0.53percent (grain food 0.59percent; foodstuff 0.95percent); drinks and tobacco 0.08percent; transport 0.25percent; postal and communicational service 0.05percent. Remaining groups had light growth rates, of which culture, entertainment, tourist rose 0.25percent; family appliances 0.23percent; garments, hats and footgear 0.18percent; housing and construction material 0.09percent; Medicine and medical service 0.07percent; education 0.04percent.

March’s CPI rose 2.39percent from 12/2012 and 6.64percent from the same period last year. Average CPI in this Quarter rose 6.91% compared to that in 2012’ same period.

Producer price indexes (PPI)

PPI for agricultural, forest and fishing products in 1st Q. of 2013 rose 2.06percent from the previous quarter and reduced to 5.48percent from last year’ same period, of which PPI for agricultural products rose 2.19percent and declined 6.92percent; forest products rose 1.58percent and 7.41percent; fishery grew by 1.64percent and decreased by 1.74% respectively. PPI for industrial products rose 0.98% percent from the previous quarter and 3.58% from last year’ same period, PPI for mineral products declined by 0.24percent and grew by 2.04%; manufactured products rose 0.69percent and 3.04percent; power production and supply 3.79percent and 8.73percent; water supply and wastes treatment 1.88percent and 9.16percent respectively.

Raw materials price indexes (RMPI) for domestic production in 1st Q. rose 1.34percent from the previous quarter and 3.36percent from last year’ same period, of which RMPI growth rates of some industries were mining 5.7percent and 8.49percent; electric equipment 2.65percent and 2.56percent; pharmaceutical chemistry and medicine 2.42percent and 5.39percent; manufacturing, repairing and assembling machines and equipment 2.17percent and declined 0.29percent.

Transport and warehouse charge indexes (TWCI) rose 3.32 percent from the previous quarter and 8.58percent from last year’ same period, of which passenger carriage rose 3.55percent and 9.71percent; cargo carriage 2.11and 5.91percent; warehouse and transport-supported service 6.57percent and 14.85percent.

Export-Import Price Indexes (EIPI)

EIPI in 1st Q. of 2013 declined 0.12percent from the previous quarter and 4.32 percent from last year’ same period.

+ Consumer price indexes, gold & USD price indexes, March 2013
+ Producers’ Price Indexes for agricultural, forestry and fishing Products 1st Quarter of 2013
+ Producers’ Price Indexes for industrial products, 1st Quarter of 2013
+ Price indexes of materials used for production, 1st Quarter of 2013
+ Export price indexes in 1st Quarter of 2013
+ Import price indexes in 1st Quarter of 2013
+ Export-Import price indexes and trade exchange rate 1st Quarter of 2013
+ Transport charge indexes in 1st Quarter of2013

SOCIAL ISSUES

Labor and employment

The country’s estimated labor force aged 15 and above as of 01/4/2013 were 53.04 million, increasing 251,800 against 01/01/2013 period, of which men represented 51.5percent and women 48.5percent. Estimated laborers within the labor working age group as of 01/4/2013 were 47.27 million, increasing 183,600 against 01/01/2013 period, of which men represented 53.5% and women 46.5%.

Estimated laborers aged 15 and above working in the economy as of 01/4/2013 were 52.04 million, increasing 337,700 against the average labor force in 2012 and 76,100 against 4th quarter in 2012. About labor structure, employees working in agro-forestry and fishery occupied 47.0%, declined 0.4 point percent against 2012; industry and construction 20.8%, declined 0.4 point percent; service 32.2%, rose 0.8 point percent.

Unemployment rate of laborers within the labor age group in this quarter was 2.1%, of which it was 3.4% for urban area and 1.57% for rural area. Under-employment rate of laborers within the labor age group was 3.58%, of which it was 2.54% for rural area and 4% for rural area. Under-employment rate of laborers within the labor age group increased compared to 2012 for both urban and rural area.

People’s life and social security

According to local reports, total budget spent for social security and poverty alleviation in 1st quarter of 2013 was 2,540 billion dong, including 1,211 billion dong for supporting persons under social policy; 1,085 billion dong for supporting poor families and over 244 billion dong for rescuing hunger and for other social reliefs.

Generally, the country in three first months of the year had 178,800 time of hunger families, reduced to 10.8percent from the same period last year, which was in equivalent to 737,300 times of hunger persons, decreased by 10.9%. To overcome the problem, all administrative levels from central to local level and line-ministries since the beginning of the year have provided hunger households with 12,200 tons of food and 8.2 billion dong.

Education

According to local reports, as of the beginning of school year of 2012-2013, the country had 13,546 kindergartens, increasing 402 schools against the previous school year; 15,496 primary schools, increasing 159 schools; 10,334 junior secondary schools, increasing101 schools and 2,392 senior secondary schools, increasing 42 schools. There were 241,300 pre-school teachers, rose 38.7percent from school year of 2011-2012; 834,800 direct teachers, rose 0.8percent, including 373,500 primary teachers, rose 2%; 312,100 junior secondary teachers-equivalent to the number of teachers in the previous school year and 149,200 senior secondary teachers, declined 0.6percent. As of finishing of March 2013, the country had 61/63 provinces and cities met standard for universal primary education at the right age (of which 04 provinces and cities met standard for universal primary education at the right age of level 2) and 63/63 provinces and cities met standard for universal junior secondary education.

Epidemic diseases, food poisoning

In three first months, the country had nearly 9,000 cases of hemorrhagic fever (9 died); 90 cases of virus encephalitis (2 died); 31 cases of typhoid; 11,300 cases of hand, foot, mouth disease (4 died) and 16 cases of syndrome of dermatitis thick horn foots and hands.

More 516 HIV-infected cases were found in the month, bringing the number of HIV infected persons over the country as of mid-March 2013 to 264,900, of which 108,800 turned to AIDS and 54,500 died of AIDS.

Generally, the country in 3 months had15 cases of food poisoning, infecting 487 persons, of which 4 died.

Sports

In high-performance sports, the Vietnamese team gained 03 gold medals at Toyota Apparatus Work, Asia Air-gun Championship (China) and Asia Young Fencing (Thailand) and 02 silver medals at: Asia Walk Prize (Japan) and World Cup Apparatus Work (France).

Traffic accidents

Generally, the country in 3 months had 2,822 cases of traffic accident, killing 2,578 persons and injuring 1,811 others. Compared to the same period last year, cases of traffic accident raised 2.8percent; the death 6.3percent; the injured declined 10.7percent. On average, the country in each day of 1st quarter of 2013 had 31 cases of traffic accident, killing 29 persons and injuring 20 others.

Environmental protection and fire protection

In this quarter functioning authorities discovered 1,719 environment violated cases, of which 797 cases were fined over 10 billion dong, only in March 805 violated cases were found, of which 421 cases were treated.

The country in three months had 635 serious cases of fire and explosion, making 82 persons died and injured; estimated damage was 93 billion dong.

GENERAL STATISTIC OFFICE