Jan. 6 – Vietnam’s economy grew by 5.32 percent in 2009, making it one of the top expanding economies in the region despite the global financial crisis.

General Statistics Office said the economy recorded a double achievement of gaining economic growth and reining in inflation. While growth in 2009 was lower compared to the previous year’s 6.18 percent it was still able to top the government’s 5 percent target.

During the third quarter and fourth quarter of 2009 the economy grew by 6.04 percent and 6.9 period compared to the previous year indicating the economy was responding well to the government stimulus policies. The rise in the average consumer price index for the same period was the lowest in the past six years at 6.88 percent.