Mr Adam said that the country’s economy can be controlled and Vietnam should not worry about its economic growth rate in 2008. The growth rate may be higher than the rate set by the Government thanks to a firm foundation in 2007.

Mr Adam added that regional economies are stronger. Vietnam’s position in the international arena is getting better. It is unlikely that the country will face financial crisis. In addition, the stress born by soaring food prices will be alleviated as new crops are coming in.

Martin Rama, WB economic expert, said that the country should not worry about national debts as it has had a flexible fiscal policy. The policy on exchange rates between the Vietnamese dong and the US dollar has helped improve the competitiveness of the Vietnamese dong.

Two WB experts forecast that the country’s import surplus in 2008 will increase by 35 percent and the inflation rate will remain high.