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TCQT Summary
TCQT Summary
1 . Analyze the factors that impact on the trade balance . Current status of the trade
balance in Vietnam .
Bản giải 1:
1.Inflation: Inflation increases prices and costs. As prices and costs in any country rise
rapidly, domestically produced goods soon become more expensive than similar goods
produced abroad. This reduces exports, increases imports. Thereby affecting the balance of
trade.
2.Commodity prices: When the prices of domestic goods are high relative to foreign goods,
the demand for imports will increase, which affect the balance of trade
3.Productivity : An increase in domestic productivity will lead to more competition for
domestic goods than for imports, thereby increasing the demand for domestic goods and
reducing the demand for imported goods. Thereby affecting the balance of trade.
4.Exchange rate: An appreciation of the domestic currency significantly increases the cost of
exported goods, so the quantity of exports will decrease and affect the trade balance.
5. Trade policy: Trade barriers or supportive policies also affect a country's balance of exports
and imports. For example, when there is an export subsidy, a country will export more and
affect the balance of trade.
6. Income : Increased income increases the demand for goods, including imported goods.
This causes a country to import more and affects the balance of trade.
2023:
Vietnam achieved a trade surplus for the eighth consecutive year, reaching an estimated
US$26 billion in 2023, three times higher than in 2022, marking a record level in many years.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) reported that the total import-export turnover in
2023 is estimated at $683 billion, with exports totaling $354.5 billion and imports at $328.5
billion. The trade surplus contributed to an increase in foreign exchange reserves and
stabilization of the exchange rate and other macroeconomic indicators.
Despite facing challenges in import and export activities throughout the year, Vietnam's
exports—one of the three key pillars of economic growth alongside investment and
consumption—rebounded in the last seven months of the year, following a sharp decline in
the first quarter of 2023. From July to December, export values exceeded $30 billion each
month, indicating a return to growth momentum.
To drive exports, Vietnam implemented various trade promotion strategies and leveraged free
trade agreements (FTAs) to maintain key markets, achieving its 2023 export targets. Notable
bright spots were in fruit, vegetable, and rice exports, demonstrating a strong business
recovery and market expansion.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development estimated that agricultural, forestry, and
fishery export value in 2023 would reach over $53 billion, representing 96.3 percent of the
initial target set by the Prime Minister at the beginning of the year. The agriculture sector's
trade surplus is expected to be over $11 billion, accounting for over 42.5 percent of Vietnam's
total trade surplus.
Rice exports have also been a standout success. As of December, Vietnam exported more than
7.9 million tonnes of rice, valued at over $4.5 billion, representing a significant increase in
both volume and value compared to the same period in 2022. Experts predict that rice exports
in 2023 could reach 8.2 million tonnes worth almost $4.8 billion, the highest level since
Vietnam began exporting rice in 1989.
Similarly, the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association forecasts that fruit and vegetable
exports in 2023 will reach $5.6 billion, an industry record, surpassing the initial target by 40
percent and marking a 66 percent increase from 2022. This success is driven by key products
like durian, which has seen rapid growth due to Vietnam's efforts to promote official export to
China.
However, the trade surplus also reflects a reduction in imports, indicating ongoing difficulties
for enterprises dependent on imported components and raw materials for production. To
address these challenges, Vietnam aims to increase the localization rate and embrace high
technology for more sustainable development in exports. The MoIT plans to promote green
export solutions and work towards resolving the European Union's yellow card warning for
seafood exports.
Additionally, Vietnam is exploring new markets and trade partnerships to diversify products
and supply chains. This includes new FTAs with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and
MERCOSUR, and ongoing negotiations with China to expand market access for other
Vietnamese fruit and vegetable products such as green-skinned grapefruit, fresh coconuts,
avocados, pineapples, star apples, lemons, and melons. These efforts aim to strengthen
Vietnam's export resilience and broaden its reach in the global market.
Bản 2:
Factors impacting Vietnam's trade balance:
Global factors:
Economic growth of trading partners: A strong global economy boosts demand for
Vietnamese exports, leading to a trade surplus. Conversely, a weak global economy dampens
demand and creates a trade deficit.
Commodity prices: Fluctuations in global commodity prices, especially for Vietnam's key
exports like oil and gas, can significantly impact the trade balance.
Exchange rates: A weaker Vietnamese dong (VND) makes exports cheaper and imports more
expensive, potentially improving the trade balance. Conversely, a stronger VND has the
opposite effect.
Trade policies: Trade agreements and protectionist measures by other countries can affect
Vietnam's export competitiveness and impact the trade balance.
Domestic factors:
Domestic production capacity: Strong domestic production of goods for export can lead to a
trade surplus. Conversely, reliance on imports creates a trade deficit.
Foreign direct investment (FDI): FDI inflows can boost export capacity and technology
transfer, leading to a trade surplus. However, FDI can also increase imports of machinery and
equipment, contributing to a deficit.
Government policies: Government policies like export subsidies, import tariffs, and
infrastructure development can influence the trade balance.
Consumer preferences: A preference for imported goods over domestic alternatives can widen
the trade deficit.
Current status of Vietnam's trade balance:
Trade deficit: As of October 2023, Vietnam has a trade deficit. This is due to faster import
growth (around 10%) compared to export growth (around 5%).
High import of input materials: Imports of raw materials, machinery, and equipment for
production are growing rapidly, indicating economic recovery and export potential.
Concerns about consumer goods: While imports of consumer goods are rising, policymakers
are concerned about potential harm to domestic production competitiveness.
Overall, Vietnam's trade balance is a complex interplay of global and domestic factors. While
the current deficit raises concerns, the strong growth in imports for production suggests
potential future export gains. The government needs to address the consumer goods import
issue and implement policies to support domestic production and export competitiveness.
Bản 3:
Factors impacting Vietnam's trade balance:
Internal factors:
Economic growth: Higher economic growth leads to greater demand for imports, potentially
causing a trade deficit.
Domestic production: Insufficient domestic production capacity for certain goods increases
reliance on imports.
Domestic consumption: High demand for imported consumer goods can tilt the balance
towards a trade deficit.
Exchange rate: A weak Vietnamese dong (VND) makes imports more expensive and exports
cheaper, potentially improving the trade balance.
Government policies: Tax incentives or trade restrictions can influence the flow of imports
and exports.
External factors:
Global economic trends: Booming international markets increase demand for Vietnamese
exports, contributing to a trade surplus.
Commodity prices: Fluctuations in global commodity prices can impact the cost of imported
raw materials and finished goods.
Trading partner dynamics: The economic health of major import and export partners impacts
Vietnam's trade balance.
Global trade agreements: Free trade agreements can increase trade volume, impacting the
balance depending on the type of goods traded.
Current status of the trade balance in Vietnam:
As of June 2023: Vietnam had a trade deficit of $4.75 billion.
Trend: In 2021, Vietnam transitioned from a trade surplus to a trade deficit for the first time
in several years.
Concerns: The growing trade deficit, especially for consumer goods, raises concerns about
long-term economic impacts.
Government response: The government is focusing on supporting domestic production,
diversifying exports, and attracting foreign investment to address the trade imbalance.
Conclusion:
Vietnam's trade balance is influenced by complex interactions between internal and external
factors. While a temporary trade deficit may not be alarming, prolonged imbalances can
negatively impact the economy. The government is proactively addressing the issue, but
continuous efforts are needed to achieve a sustainable trade balance.
2. Analyzing the structure of the current account balance of an open market economy.
The significance of the research problem for Vietnam in the current period.
The current account balance is a critical component of a country's balance of payments,
providing a snapshot of its economic interactions with the rest of the world. It encompasses
the trade in goods and services, income flows, and current transfers between a nation and its
global counterparts. Deciphering the structure of the current account balance involves delving
into its various subcomponents:
1.Trade Balance:
Represents the difference between a country's exports (goods sold to foreign countries) and
imports (goods bought from foreign countries).
A positive trade balance (surplus) indicates a net export of goods, meaning the country is
earning more foreign currency from exports than it spends on imports.
A negative trade balance (deficit) indicates a net import of goods, meaning the country is
spending more foreign currency on imports than it earns from exports.
2. Services Balance:
Captures the net trade in intangible services like tourism, transportation, financial services,
and telecommunications.
A positive services balance (surplus) indicates the country is exporting more services than it
imports, generating income from foreign sources.
A negative services balance (deficit) indicates the country is importing more services than it
exports.
3. Factor Income:
Reflects the net income received or paid on foreign investments and workers' remittances.
Income on foreign assets: This includes earnings from foreign investments like dividends,
interest on bonds, and rental income from property held abroad. A positive income balance
indicates the country is receiving more income from foreign investments than it pays out for
investments held by foreigners within the country.
Compensation of employees: This captures income Vietnamese workers earn abroad
(positive) and income foreign workers earn in Vietnam (negative).
4. Unilateral Transfers:
Represent unrequited transfers of money or goods between residents of different countries.
These are not repayments of loans or interest payments.
Examples include foreign aid grants, humanitarian assistance, and personal remittances sent
by Vietnamese citizens working abroad to their families back home (positive) or vice versa
(negative).
Significance for Vietnam in the Current Period
Analyzing the structure of the current account balance holds immense significance for
Vietnam in the contemporary era due to several compelling reasons:
Understanding Trade Competitiveness: The trade balance component reveals a country's
competitiveness in the global market for physical goods. A consistent surplus suggests a
strong export sector, while a large deficit might indicate a reliance on imports or a need to
boost export competitiveness.
Service Sector Importance: The services balance showcases the significance of a country's
service industry. A surplus in services can help offset a trade deficit and generate foreign
income. Analyzing this component can highlight areas for development in tourism,
technology, or other service sectors.
Investment Income: The factor income component reflects a country's role as a net creditor or
debtor. A surplus indicates the country earns more from its foreign investments than it pays
out to foreign investors holding domestic assets. Conversely, a deficit suggests the country is
a net debtor, paying out more investment income than it receives.
Role of Transfers: Unilateral transfers can influence a country's external financing. Worker
remittances, for instance, can be a significant source of income for developing countries.
Analyzing transfers can provide insights into a country's reliance on foreign aid or the role of
its expatriate population.
Overall Significance:
Analyzing the current account structure is essential for policymakers to formulate effective
economic strategies. It helps them assess:
Balance of Payments: The current account is a major component of the balance of payments,
which tracks all financial transactions between a country and the rest of the world. Analyzing
the structure helps understand a country's overall external position.
Exchange Rate Management: The current account balance can influence exchange rates. A
persistent surplus or deficit can put pressure on the exchange rate, and policymakers might
need to consider these factors when managing the exchange rate.
Economic Growth Strategies: Understanding the current account composition helps identify
areas to promote sustainable economic growth. For instance, a country with a trade deficit
might focus on boosting exports or import substitution.
3. Analyzing the role and basic operations of the forex market, on that basis, please
comment on the current situation of the foreign exchange market in Vietnam.
Short version:
The forex market is the global marketplace for trading currencies. It facilitates the exchange
of one currency for another and is used by individuals, businesses, and governments engaged
in international trade and investment. The basic operations of the forex market include spot
transactions, forward contracts, and currency swaps. Spot transactions are the immediate
exchange of currencies at the current market rate. Forward contracts are agreements to
exchange currencies at a future date at a predetermined rate. Currency swaps are the
exchanging of one currency for another with a commitment to reverse the exchange at a later
date.
The current situation of the foreign exchange market in Vietnam is influenced by a number of
factors, including the exchange rate policy of the State Bank of Vietnam, recent exchange rate
movements, global events, foreign exchange reserves, foreign investment, economic growth,
government policies, and market modernization.
Long version:
The Forex Market: A Comprehensive Overview
The foreign exchange market (forex market) is a global decentralized marketplace for trading
currencies, enabling individuals, businesses, and governments to engage in international trade
and investment. It is the largest and most liquid market in the world, with a daily trading
volume exceeding $6.6 trillion.
Role of the Forex Market
The primary role of the forex market is to facilitate the exchange of one currency for another.
This exchange is essential for international trade, as it allows businesses to pay and receive
payment for goods and services sold across borders. Additionally, investors use the forex
market to hedge against currency risk and speculate on future currency movements.
Basic Operations
The forex market is characterized by its over-the-counter (OTC) trading mechanism, meaning
that transactions occur directly between two parties without the need for an exchange. The
three main types of forex transactions are:
Spot Transactions: These involve the immediate exchange of currencies at the current market
rate.
Forward Contracts: These are agreements to exchange currencies at a predetermined rate on a
future date. This is used to hedge against currency risk.
Currency Swaps: These involve exchanging one currency for another with a commitment to
reverse the exchange at a later date.
Market Participants
The forex market is a diverse and complex ecosystem with a wide range of participants,
including:
Central Banks: These are responsible for setting monetary policy and regulating the financial
system. They use the forex market to intervene in the currency market and manage their
foreign exchange reserves.
Commercial Banks: These are the primary providers of forex services to individuals and
businesses. They facilitate currency exchange, provide hedging instruments, and offer margin
trading.
Corporations: These use the forex market to manage their foreign currency exposure and
facilitate international trade and investment.
Investment Funds: These use the forex market to speculate on currency movements and
diversify their portfolios.
Retail Traders: These are individuals who trade currencies in the hope of making a profit.
Current Situation of the Foreign Exchange Market in Vietnam
Việt Nam still has effective tools to proactively control the VNĐ/USD exchange rate in 2024
even if the US Federal Reserve (Fed) has to maintain its interest rates at the current high level
for an extended time due to the conflict in the Red Sea and other new uncertainties, experts
said.
In the domestic market, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV)’s central rate of the Vietnamese
đồng against the dollar on February 16, 2024 was VNĐ 23,971. However, the average dollar
price on the unofficial market has exceeded VNĐ2 5,000 for the first time since October
2022 and although it has decreased slightly, it is currently still at a high level.
In fact, most of the increases in the VNĐ/USD exchange rate stemmed from the appreciation
of the greenback. In particular, geopolitical instability is always a catalyst for money to find
the dollar as a safe haven.
According to experts, the VNĐ/USD exchange rates are still likely to increase in the first half
of this year as the interest rate gap between dollar and đồng is still high. Rising pressure on
the exchange rate will reduce only when the dollar reaches its peak and the Fed lowers
interest rates.
Another factor that can affect the VNĐ/USD exchange rate in 2024 is geopolitical instability
in the world. The Red Sea conflict has had a negative effect on the world economy, making
economic recovery to a normal state more difficult due to increase in production costs, prices
and inflation.
In addition, the exchange rate also depends on domestic inflation. Overall, inflation in Việt
Nam is still under control. Overproduction and oversupply in both China and Việt Nam, amid
weak demand, are preventing prices from rising.
Recent gold or foreign currency fevers on the unofficial market are mainly speculative
activities. This is not a concern if the SBV continues to control inflation and is not too hasty
in lowering deposit interest rates. It will not affect macroeconomic stability
Conclusion
The forex market is a dynamic and complex global marketplace that plays a critical role in
international trade and investment. Understanding the role, operations, and current state of
the forex market is essential for businesses, investors, and policymakers operating in a
globalized economy.
Another ver :):
Role and Basic Operations of the Forex Market Role of the Forex Market:
Facilitating Currency Exchange: The forex market is the global marketplace for trading
currencies. Its primary role is to facilitate the exchange of one currency for another, serving
individuals, businesses, and governments engaged in international trade and investment.
Basic Operations:
Spot Transactions: Immediate exchange of currencies at the current market rate. These
transactions occur "on the spot."
Forward Contracts: Agreements to exchange currencies at a future date at a predetermined
rate, which helps manage currency risk.
Currency Swaps: Exchanging one currency for another with a commitment to reverse the
exchange at a later date.
Market Participants: Include central banks, commercial banks, corporations, investment
funds, and retail traders. They engage in buying and selling currencies to meet various
objectives.
Current Situation of the Foreign Exchange Market in Vietnam
The current situation of the foreign exchange market in Vietnam is influenced by various
factors:
Exchange Rate Policy: Vietnam's State Bank (SBV) manages the exchange rate through a
managed float regime. The SBV allows the VND (Vietnamese Dong) to fluctuate within a
controlled range, adjusting it as needed to support the country's economic objectives.
Recent Exchange Rate Movements: In recent years, Vietnam has experienced relatively stable
exchange rates, with gradual depreciation of the VND against the USD. This stability has
contributed to confidence in the currency.
Impact of Global Events: Global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and trade tensions,
can affect Vietnam's foreign exchange market. For instance, the pandemic disrupted supply
chains and affected trade flows.
Foreign Exchange Reserves: Vietnam has been accumulating foreign exchange reserves,
which provide a buffer against currency volatility and help stabilize the VND.
Foreign Investment: Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows have a direct impact on the
foreign exchange market. Vietnam's attractiveness to foreign investors can influence the
demand for VND.
Economic Growth: Vietnam's strong economic growth and export performance have
contributed to its foreign exchange market stability.
Government Policies: Government policies related to trade, investment, and currency
management play a significant role in the foreign exchange market's current situation. Market
Modernization:Vietnam has witnessed the modernization of its foreign exchange market, with
increased use of digital platforms for forex trading and transactions.
4. Discuss your opinions about the market for foreign exchange and its role in the
development of the economy. Analyze the impact of the Vietnam foreign exchange
market on the development of Vietnam's economy in the last 5 years.
The Foreign Exchange Market: Engine of Growth or Double-Edged Sword?
The foreign exchange (FX) market, where currencies are traded, plays a critical role in the
global economy, acting as a facilitator of trade and investment. Its impact on individual
economies, like Vietnam, can be multifaceted, promoting growth while also introducing
potential risks.
Functions of the Foreign Exchange Market:
Facilitates International Trade: Businesses need to convert their currencies to buy and sell
goods and services across borders. The forex market enables this currency exchange, making
international trade possible.
Price Discovery: The forex market constantly determines exchange rates based on supply and
demand for different currencies. This helps businesses understand the relative value of their
exports and imports, making informed decisions.
Transfer of Funds: The forex market allows for the transfer of funds between countries for
various purposes, like foreign investment, international aid, and tourism.
Risk Management: Businesses and investors can use the forex market to hedge against
currency fluctuations, protecting themselves from unexpected changes in exchange rates.
Impact on Economic Development:
Promotes Exports: A stable or slightly weaker domestic currency can make a country's
exports cheaper in the global market, potentially leading to increased export volume and
revenue. This contributes to economic growth.
Attracts Foreign Investment: A stable and efficient forex market with limited volatility is
attractive to foreign investors. This can lead to increased Foreign Direct Investment (FDI),
which creates jobs, transfers technology, and boosts economic activity.
Manages Inflation: A stable exchange rate can moderate inflation by preventing imported
goods from becoming excessively expensive. This helps maintain purchasing power and
consumer spending, which can stimulate economic growth.
Access to Foreign Capital: The forex market allows countries to access foreign capital
through borrowing or selling bonds in foreign currencies. This can be used to finance
infrastructure development, social programs, and other investments that support economic
growth.
Challenges and Considerations:
Exchange Rate Volatility: Excessive fluctuations in exchange rates can create uncertainty for
businesses and investors, hindering long-term planning and potentially discouraging
investment.
Currency Speculation: Speculative activity in the forex market can lead to artificial
fluctuations in exchange rates, potentially harming businesses and the broader economy.
Management of Foreign Exchange Reserves: Countries need to manage their foreign
exchange reserves effectively to maintain stability and intervene in the market when
necessary.
Vietnam's FX market in the last 5 years:
2019 - 2020: Positive Impacts:
Supported Export Growth (2019): In 2019, a relatively stable exchange rate, achieved partly
through SBV intervention, likely supported export growth. This contributed to Vietnam's
strong economic performance that year.
Attracted Foreign Investment (2019): A stable foreign exchange market with limited volatility
can be attractive to foreign investors. This could have contributed to higher Foreign Direct
Investment (FDI) inflows in 2019, which can create jobs, transfer technology, and stimulate
economic growth.
Moderated Inflation (2019-2020): A stable exchange rate can help control inflation, as
imported goods become less expensive. This likely helped moderate inflation in both 2019
and 2020.
Increased Foreign Exchange Reserves (2019): The SBV's successful intervention in 2019, as
discussed earlier, potentially increased Vietnam's foreign exchange reserves. This provided a
buffer against external economic shocks, which became crucial in 2020.
Negative Impacts
Export Challenges (2020): The global economic slowdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic
in 2020 significantly impacted global demand for Vietnamese exports. Even with a stable
exchange rate, export growth likely slowed down.
Pressure on the Dong (2020): Despite the SBV's efforts, the Vietnamese Dong (VND)
weakened slightly against the USD in 2020. This could have:
Increased Import Costs: Rising import costs could have put pressure on businesses and
potentially contributed to inflation.
Exchange Rate Uncertainty: Some businesses might have faced challenges due to exchange
rate fluctuations, making long-term planning difficult.
The supply of foreign currency in Vietnam is considered to be very abundant in 2019. The
SBV lowered the buying price (bid price) for USD from 25,000 VND/USD to 23,175
VND/USD.
- 2021: In the minds of Vietnamese people for a long time, VND only depreciated compared
to USD. In 2021, the VND went against the typical trend and actually strengthened against
the USD by around 2%. This defied expectations, as a strong USD globally usually leads to a
weaker VND. A stronger dong in 2021 will mean less pressure in terms of paying foreign
debts, reducing public debt as ratio of GDP, and a likely improvement in the balance of trade
with the U.S., taking the wind out of currency manipulation accusations. According to many
analysis, the current movement of foreign currency cash flow will help increase foreign
exchange reserves and also serve as a foundation and resource for the State Bank of Vietnam
to continue to operate proactively and flexibly in the future.
2022:
The weak local currency pulls up inflation in the EU, which requires Vietnamese businesses
to focus on increasing the competitiveness of export goods, creating a valuable difference for
their products. According to the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), the VND has only depreciated
about 2.3 percent against the USD. The USD/VND exchange rate on August 12, as
announced by the SBV, was 23,153 VND. The dong remains one of the least depreciated
currencies in the Asia-Pacific region.
Exchange rate fluctuations since the beginning of the year impact Vietnam's trade activities.
If exporters benefit when the dollar appreciates, in the opposite direction, importers have to
pay an additional cost to offset the difference due to this fluctuation.
Based on the selling exchange rate of the SBV, from the beginning of the year to August 1,
one USD equals 23,400 VND, up 2.3 percent compared to the beginning of 2022. In the
opposite direction, the Vietnamese dong increases in value by about 8 percent against EUR.
The US and Europe (EU) are two important import-export markets of Vietnam, so exchange
rate fluctuations, especially the US dollar, have had a strong impact on the production and
business results of many businesses.Therefore, the fact that the Euro falling almost equal to
the USD means that the export value of each shipment decreases accordingly. Meanwhile,
profits fall as they are affected by input costs such as gasoline, raw material prices, and labor
costs that have all increased.
2023:
Positive Impacts:
Supported Strong Trade Surplus: Despite a global economic slowdown, Vietnam achieved a
record trade surplus in 2023 of $26 billion. A stable or slightly weaker VND compared to
major currencies like the USD can make Vietnamese exports more competitive in the global
market, potentially contributing to this surplus.
Maintained Foreign Investment: The foreign exchange market remained relatively stable in
2023, which can be attractive to foreign investors. This stability, coupled with Vietnam's
strong economic fundamentals, might have helped maintain Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
inflows, creating jobs and boosting growth.
Moderated Inflation: Although external factors like rising global commodity prices
contributed to inflation in 2023, a stable exchange rate likely helped prevent further
inflationary pressures by keeping the cost of imported goods somewhat stable.
Negative Impacts:
Pressure on the Dong (VND): The VND weakened slightly against the USD in 2023 due to
several factors, including rising global interest rates set by the US Federal Reserve (Fed).
This could have:
Increased Import Costs: Rising import costs due to a weaker VND could have put pressure on
businesses and potentially contributed to inflation.
Exchange Rate Uncertainty: Some businesses might have faced challenges due to fluctuations
in the exchange rate, making long-term planning difficult.
5. Discuss your opinions about the Balance of Payment. Based on your knowledge about
Vietnamese’s balance of Payment, analyze and indicate its role in the economy.
The Balance of Payment: A Window into Vietnam's Economic Health
The Balance of Payment (BoP) is a crucial indicator of a country's external financial position,
capturing all economic transactions between residents and non-residents over a given period.
It's like a detailed financial statement, revealing a nation's trade, investment, and borrowing
activities with the outside world. Analyzing Vietnam's BoP offers valuable insights into its
economic health and vulnerabilities.
Components of Vietnam's BoP:Current Account: This reflects the net trade in goods and
services (exports minus imports) and income flows from abroad (e.g., dividends,
remittances). A surplus indicates Vietnam is earning more from the world than it spends,
while a deficit shows the opposite.
Capital Account: This captures foreign investments into Vietnam (FDI, portfolio investments)
and Vietnamese investments abroad. A positive capital account signifies an inflow of foreign
funds, while a negative indicates an outflow.
Financial Account: This covers short-term financial transactions like loans, credits, and
changes in reserve assets.
Role of Vietnam's BoP:
Trade engine: Historically, Vietnam has enjoyed a trade surplus, driven by strong exports of
manufactured goods like garments and electronics. This surplus fuels economic growth by
creating jobs, generating foreign exchange, and attracting investment.
Investment magnet: Vietnam's capital account has also been positive, reflecting significant
foreign direct investments (FDI) inflows. This FDI boosts productivity, technology transfer,
and infrastructure development, further strengthening the economy.
Debt management: Responsible borrowing and prioritizing productive investments in the
capital account are crucial to avoid excessive external debt burdens that could constrain
future growth.
Vulnerability to external shocks: Vietnam's dependence on trade and foreign investment
makes it vulnerable to external shocks like global trade slowdowns or financial market
turmoil. A sudden shift in the BoP can trigger currency depreciation, capital flight, and
economic instability.
Recent trends and concerns:
Widening trade deficit: While Vietnam still enjoys a trade surplus overall, recent years have
seen a concerning trend of widening trade deficit. This is due to faster import growth,
particularly of raw materials and machinery for production, raising concerns about
dependence on imported inputs.
Rising foreign debt: While FDI has contributed positively, excessive reliance on foreign
borrowing can lead to debt sustainability concerns. Balancing growth with responsible debt
management is crucial.
Policy implications:
Boosting export competitiveness: Policies promoting domestic production efficiency,
technological advancement, and diversification can strengthen export performance and
narrow the trade deficit.
Attracting high-quality FDI: Strategic FDI targeting high-tech sectors and export-oriented
industries can improve productivity and export potential while mitigating debt risks.
Developing the service sector: Enhancing Vietnam's service exports, like tourism and
financial services, can diversify the economy and contribute to a more balanced BoP.
Building resilience: Strengthening domestic financial markets, accumulating reserves, and
diversifying trading partners can help Vietnam weather external shocks and maintain BoP
stability.
Conclusion:
Vietnam's BoP plays a pivotal role in its economic growth and development. While
historically favorable, recent trends demand attention. By addressing vulnerabilities,
implementing sound policies, and diversifying its external linkages, Vietnam can leverage its
BoP for continued economic prosperity and enhanced resilience in the face of global
challenges.