Official data released by the GSO showed that Vietnam's total growth rate in 9 months hit 6.41%. In particular, the service sector increased by 7.25%, while manufacturing continued to grow strongly, expanding by a record high of 12.77% in the last five years. With government overspending under control, total investment increasing and interest rate stabilising, the growth rate in the 4th quarter is forecast at 7.12%, resulting in a 6.64% development for the whole year.