Vietnamese consume more meat, beer despite falling incomes
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Although incomes have fallen because of the pandemic, a survey has found living standard improvements with Vietnamese people consuming less rice but more beer and meat.
The GSO estimates per capita monthly income fell 2 percent from the previous year to VND4.2 million ($182), because of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the 2020 living standards survey conducted among 47,000 households nationwide by the General Statistic Office (GSO).
The survey found that per capita monthly rice consumption declined from 9.7 kilograms in 2010 to 7.6 kilograms last year.
On the other hand, per capita meat consumption rose from 1.8 kilograms per month in 2010 to 2.3 kilograms last year. Per capita beer and alcohol consumption reached 1.3 liters per month last year from 0.9 liters in 2018.
The GSO reported that there were significant wealth discrepancies between urban and rural areas. The per capita monthly income in urban areas last year was VND5.5 million, 1.6 times higher than that in rural areas.
A HCMC-based economist said that farmers should reduce rice farming and shift to produce with higher returns in order to increase per capita income in rural areas.
Questions & Answers
Q.How much did Vietnamese monthly income fall last year?
How much did Vietnamese monthly income fall last year?
Per capita monthly income fell by 2 percent from the previous year, settling at VND4.2 million. This decline was attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic's impact on living standards.
Q.What changes were observed in the consumption of rice and meat among Vietnamese people?
What changes were observed in the consumption of rice and meat among Vietnamese people?
Monthly per capita rice consumption dropped from 9.7 kilograms in 2010 to 7.6 kilograms last year. Conversely, meat consumption increased from 1.8 kilograms per month in 2010 to 2.3 kilograms last year.
Q.How do incomes differ between urban and rural areas in Vietnam?
How do incomes differ between urban and rural areas in Vietnam?
The per capita monthly income in urban areas last year was VND5.5 million. This figure was 1.6 times higher than the income recorded in rural areas, highlighting significant wealth discrepancies.
Q.What was the reported increase in beer and alcohol consumption?
What was the reported increase in beer and alcohol consumption?
Per capita beer and alcohol consumption reached 1.3 litres per month last year. This marked an increase from the 0.9 litres per month recorded in 2018.