HANOI, March 29 Reuters Vietnam39;s gross domestic product in the first quarter grew 5.66 from a year earlier as exports boomed, government data released on Friday showed, despite higher shipping costs due to turmoil in the Red Sea.

Growth in the JanuaryMarch quarter for economy was faster than the expansion of 3.41 in the same period last year, but slower than the 6.72 growth in the fourth quarter. First quarter numbers are generally lower because of festival holidays.

The Southeast Asian nation, a regional manufacturing hub and a key exporter of smartphones, electronics and garments, is seeking to shore up its business activities after it missed its growth target last year on weak global demand and brief power shortages. It has set a 6.06.5 GDP growth target this year.

The manufacturing and construction sector grew 6.28, while the services sector expanded 6.12 in the quarter from a year earlier, the General Statistics Office GSO said in a report.

Goods exports from Vietnam grew sharply in the quarter, despite disruptions to shipping through the Red Sea caused by the Houthis39; attacks, which, according to official estimates, resulted in a 5573 increase in costs for cargoes from the country.

Goods exports in the quarter grew 17 from a year earlier to 93.06 billion, while imports were up 13.9 to 84.98 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of 8.08 billion.

Shipments of electronics rose 30 from a year earlier, while smartphone exports increased 10 and garments 7.9,…