The US’s Bloomberg commented that the economy, which went into tailspin after a 2012 banking crisis and a collapse in property prices, is in robust health. A sizable middle class with discretionary purchasing power is taking shape as Vietnam, a major crude oil, coffee and footwear exporter, transforms itself into a manufacturing hub for enterprises like Samsung Electronics Co. The UK’s Financial Times cited Vietnam’s impressive growth figures in a number of fields, saying that the country has led Southeast Asia in attracting 6 billion USD in initial public offerings last year. The articles have also, however, pointed out the shortcomings in the economy including water shortages and environmental pollution.
