The country's industrial production sector posted a 10 % growth rate in January, compared with the same period last year, the Ministry of Industry and Trade said.

The beverage and paper industries took the lead in terms of inventory last month, with a 59.5 % and 100 % increase, respectively. Other sectors that reported high inventory included food processing (11 %), medicine (15 %), metal production (32 %) and electronics and computers (38 %).

The ministry said the high inventory was a result of the upcoming Tet holiday.

Sectors that reported a reduced inventory included tobacco production (34 %), leather (8 %), chemicals (15 %) and electricity equipment (13 %).

The ministry also said the prices of beer, alcohol and beverages rose by 5 to 6 % due to higher purchasing power.

Beer output in January was estimated to be 261.4 million litres, rising 4.4 % in comparison with the same period last year.