HANOI — Vietnam's exports and industrial production in July rose strongly from a year earlier, government data showed on Monday, adding to signs of an acceleration in the Southeast Asian country's economic growth.Exports in July are estimated to have risen 19.1 percent from a year earlier to $35.92 billion, the General Statistics Office said in a report.Vietnam has been seeking to speed up its economic growth to meet this year's GDP growth target of 6.0 percent–6.
The country recorded annual GDP growth of 6.93 percent in the second quarter, up from 5.87 percent in the first quarter.Imports in July rose 24.7 percent from a year earlier to $33.80 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $2.12 billion for the month, the GSO said.A sharp rise in imports could be a signal of future strength in industrial production if firms import more materials and equipment for their operations.The industrial production index in July rose 11.