(Photo: VNA)

Restrictions to curb the spread of the coronavirus are detrimental to tourism and the economy as a whole, many believe, but in fact, in 2020 when the pandemic dealt a crushing blow to the global economy, Vietnam recorded an impressive 2.9% growth.

DW quoted Atkinson as saying the recent COVID case spike will have an effect on the next financial quarter but he is still optimistic about how Vietnam’s economy is going. Exports to the EU in 2021 are up 28% from last year and remittances from overseas Vietnamese are also strong, based on recent figures, said Atkinson.