Money and Growth in Hong Kong and Vietnam

May 15, 2026, 12:48
AsiaFinance

Introduction

Hong Kong and Vietnam have different plans for their money. Some things help them grow, but some things cause problems.

Main Body

Hong Kong grew by 5.9 per cent early this year. People bought more things and the city sold more electronics. The government thinks AI and tourism will help the city stay strong. But the IMF says Hong Kong is not fully recovered. They think growth will slow down to 2.4 per cent. They suggest a new tax to get more money for the city. Vietnam's growth is also slowing down. The World Bank says growth will be 6.8 per cent this year. High oil prices and wars in other countries make things difficult. Prices for food and clothes are going up too fast.

Conclusion

Both places will grow more slowly. This is because of wars and high prices around the world.

Learning

πŸ“ˆ Words for 'Change'

In this text, we see how things go up or down. This is very important for A2 English.

The 'Up' Side

  • Grew β†’ became bigger (Past of 'grow')
  • Recovered β†’ became healthy/strong again
  • Going up β†’ prices are getting higher

The 'Down' Side

  • Slowing down β†’ moving less fast

πŸ’‘ Quick Tip: Using 'But'

Look at this sentence: "Some things help them grow, but some things cause problems."

Use but to connect two opposite ideas:

  • I like tea but I hate coffee.
  • It is sunny but it is cold.
  • Hong Kong is strong but growth is slow.

Vocabulary Learning

grew (v.)
to become larger or increase in size
Example:Hong Kong grew by 5.9 percent early this year.
sold (v.)
to give something to someone in exchange for money
Example:The city sold more electronics.
bought (v.)
to obtain something by paying money
Example:People bought more things.
help (v.)
to make it easier or possible for someone
Example:Some things help them grow.
stay (v.)
to remain in the same place
Example:The government thinks AI will help the city stay strong.
recovered (v.)
to become healthy or normal again
Example:The IMF says Hong Kong is not fully recovered.
suggest (v.)
to give an idea or propose
Example:They suggest a new tax to get more money.
slow (adj.)
moving or working at a low speed
Example:Growth will slow down.
down (prep.)
in a lower position or level
Example:Growth will slow down to 2.4 percent.
price (n.)
the amount of money needed to buy something
Example:High oil prices make things difficult.
prices (n.)
the amounts of money needed for goods
Example:Prices for food and clothes are going up.
food (n.)
things that people eat
Example:Prices for food are going up.
clothes (n.)
items worn on the body
Example:Prices for clothes are going up.
world (n.)
the planet Earth or all of humanity
Example:High prices around the world.
year (n.)
a period of twelve months
Example:They plan for the next year.
people (n.)
human beings
Example:People bought more things.
new (adj.)
recently made or introduced
Example:They suggest a new tax.
other (adj.)
different from the one mentioned
Example:Wars in other countries.
high (adj.)
at a great height or level
Example:High oil prices.
oil (n.)
a liquid used for fuel
Example:High oil prices.