While several Asian economies have been struggling, Vietnam is charging ahead. The economy grew by an annual 6.9% in the third quarter of the year.
For now, Vietnam “is defying the stress in emerging markets as regional rivals grapple with trade war risks and a stronger dollar”, says Sri Jegarajah on CNBC.
Vietnam’s economy is dependent on exports too.  But its “geographical proximity to China and its historically strong political and economic links with Beijing are paying dividends”.

Manufacturing sector moving up value chain

Under pressure from US tariffs, Chinese manufacturers have started shifting production to cheaper locations such as Vietnam.
Manufacturing wages are 40% lower than they are in China.
This is reinforcing a trend that has helped Vietnam develop its manufacturing sector over the years.

The trend: Foreign companies moving in to take advantage of cheap production

The boom started when the government introduced market reforms in 1986, transforming the country into one of Asia’s fastest growers.
At first, Vietnam was seen as a cheap version of China with well-educated workers, and thus primarily suitable as a manufacturing base.
But as foreign investment has soared and expertise spread, industry has moved up the value chain.
Vietnam benefits from a trade friendly administration, and “a desire to progress from being a frontier market to a more conventional investment destination”, says Eoin Treacy on Fuller Money. The government liberalised rules governing foreign ownership.
The young, 90 million-strong population – of which around 70% are between 15 and 64 – will provide a large workforce and a source of consumption for years to come.
Vietnam’s middle class is expected to grow from 12 million in 2012 to 33 million by 2020.
As a result of expanding consumption, retail sales grew by 10.9% to a record US$130bn last year.
In 2017, Vietnam attracted a record US$17.5bn of foreign direct investment.
Source: Money Week