Hanoi, June 11 -- The Vietnamese Government is doubling down on its double-digit expansion pledge even as 26 of the country's 34 cities and provinces are forecast to undershoot their own growth goals this year, betting that a barrage of policy firepower can close the gap.

Localities under pressure to accelerate growth

A Ministry of Finance (MoF) report submitted to the Government showed that Ho Chi Minh City is to fall short of its target by about 1.7 percentage points, Hanoi 2.75 points, Bac Ninh 1.1 points, and Quang Ninh 0.85 points as of May.

Ho Chi Minh City's gross regional domestic product (GRDP) is estimated to climb 8.71% in the second quarter, taking the first-half pace to 8.47%. Full-year expansion is seen at roughly 8.51%, ...