The IMF representative said the positive results in the country’s exports and reduction of imports have eased the nation’s trade deficit.

“What was causing pressure on the balance of payments was a combination of a widening trade deficit and weak sentiment towards the dong (VND), especially by Vietnamese investors,” he said.

“If they (the Vietnamese government) re-establish stable macroeconomic conditions, and generate more positive sentiment towards the dong, then I think they can certainly achieve 6 percent growth,” he added.

He suggested that Vietnam should strictly control the inflation rate, especially as the prices of goods continue to rise in 2010.