Vietnam’s economy expanded 6.8% in Q1 despite a high base last year and internal/external obstacles. The solid footing built in 2018 helped the economy expand 6.8% YoY in Q1 2019. Though Q1 2019’s economic growth is lower than the 7.4% YoY impressive expansion in Q1 2018, it is still higher than the growth recorded in Q1 from 2009 to 2017. Production slowed but remained strong. The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) rose 9.2% YoY in Q1 2019, lower than the 12.7% YoY growth recorded Q1 2018