Kuala Lampur, April 5 --  

HANOI, April 5 - Vietnam recorded economic growth of 7.83 per cent in the first quarter of 2026 year-on-year, the statistics office said on Saturday, but faces "numerous difficulties" as the Middle East war hits fuel prices.

First-quarter growth was up from 7.07 per cent last year after strong gains in industrial production, construction and services during the Tet festive season.

"Vietnam's socio-economic performance in the first quarter of 2026 recorded positive results amid ongoing global uncertainties and challenges," the General Statistics Office (GSO) said in a statement.

It said the conflict in the Middle East "triggered sharp energy price volatility, disrupted supply chains, and intensified infl...