According to a new resolution on key tasks and measures to execute the socioeconomic development plan and State budget estimates for 2019, the government is aiming for a softer GDP growth rate of 6.8 per cent this year with inflation to be less than 4 per cent. GDP growth reached a ten-year high last year, of 7.08 per cent.

    Under the government’s Resolution No. 1 of 2019, the annual plan targets stabilizing the macroeconomy, curbing inflation, raising productivity, quality, efficiency, self-reliance, and competitiveness in the economy, improving the investment and business environment, and promoting economic growth.

    Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) are expected to see another year of strong growth in 2019, despite 2018 being the first year in more than 25 years that volumes experienced a decline in urban Vietnam, driven mostly by inflation, while growth in rural Vietnam was more positive. According to market researchers, Vietnam’s Millennials (also known as Generation Y and born between 1982 and 2004) are changing the consumerism landscape and FMCG purchases.

    Our Cover Story this month takes a deeper look into the FMCG sector, which still has great opportunities to develop and bring stable profits to investors. We also hear from market researchers on how to ensure continued growth in FMCG among Millennials. 

   This month also marks our 300th issue. The growth of VET has resulted in a greatly increased workload for our honorary editors and Editorial Board members as well as our highly committed staff. We would like to thank our contributors and readers for their continuing interest in VET and encourage them to send us feedback and ideas on further improving the magazine.

    As we go to print, people around Vietnam are eager to welcome in Tet, the Lunar New Year. On behalf of everyone here at VET, I wish all our readers a Year of the Pig with health, happiness, and prosperity!

Chuc Mung Nam Moi!