The New York Times said in its October 25 edition that Vietnam’s roaring economy is set for World Stage.

The paper noted that in the three decades since Vietnam developed from a war-torn country, it has begun surpassing many neighbours. It has Asia’s second-fastest-growing economy, achieving a growth rate of 8.4 percent last year, second only to China’s. By the end of last year, Vietnam’s growth rate exceeded that of Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan, the Republic of Korea and even India.

The latest Asian economic tiger, Vietnam now produces and uses more cement than France, its former colonial ruler. The main index for the Ho Chi Minh City stock market and the Hanoi stock market has nearly doubled in value this year. Vietnam has become the talk of investment bankers and investors across Asia.

However, the newspaper also warned of difficulties and challenges Vietnam will have to face due to a lack of skilled labour force.