The sector posted an increase of 12.98 percent, much higher than the annual rates from 2012 to 2016.

The agro-forestry-fisheries sector grew by 3.76 percent, industry-construction 8.85 percent and services 7.03 percent.

GSO Director General Nguyen Bich Lam said the result showed the economy has escaped its reliance on the exploitation of mineral and natural resources, given that 2018 marked the third consecutive year that mining contracted, down 3.11 percent.

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Photo: VNA

To maintain the momentum for manufacturing and processing, Lam suggested attracting foreign direct investment, especially from investors boasting modern technology, governance and high competitiveness while strengthening ties between foreign-invested and domestic firms, particularly those in manufacturing and processing.

The GSO reported that industrial production increased by 10 percent annually in 2018.

Several industries boasted higher manufacturing output, including coke (fuel) and refined petrol up 65 percent, metallurgy up 25 percent, medicine and pharmaceuticals up 20 percent, motorised vehicle manufacturing up 16 percent and paper production up 14 percent.

Some sectors reported lower growth such as rubber and plastics up by only 3.3 percent and waste collection and treatment up 3 percent.

Source: VNA