This paper focuses on the question of whether economic growth was constrained by Vietnam’s balance of payments during the 1990-2004 period, by using the model developed by Thirlwall. Based on quarterly and annual data from the period, we found that economic growth was indeed constrained by the country’s balance of payments, although deficits in the trade and current account were partly relieved by external inflows of capital such as foreign direct investment, official development assistance, and debt. This is evidence that the Vietnamese Government must adopt policies that can relieve the balance of payments and foster economic growth. | Economic growth and balance of payments constraint in Vietnam
