ksootu12 9/19/2025 9:47:04 AM

Vietnam's pharmaceutical industry has made remarkable strides in recent years, going off the beaten track compared to traditional development models. Since joining ASEAN in 1995, Vietnamese pharmaceutical companies have transformed from small domestic operations into regional competitors. This transformation reflects the country's strategic vision to become a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub within Southeast Asia. Despite ongoing challenges in research capabilities, Vietnam has leveraged its competitive labor costs and improving regulatory framework to attract significant international investment in pharmaceutical production facilities.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated Vietnam's pharmaceutical sector growth by highlighting the critical importance of regional supply chain resilience. When neighboring countries faced medical supply shortages, Vietnamese manufacturers rapidly scaled production of essential medications and protective equipment. This crisis response demonstrated Vietnam's emerging capacity to serve broader ASEAN markets during emergencies. Furthermore, the pandemic catalyzed new collaborative research initiatives between Vietnamese pharmaceutical companies and international partners, particularly in vaccine development and infectious disease treatments.

[I] Vietnam's pharmaceutical industry has implemented comprehensive quality control systems that align with international standards. [II] These rigorous protocols have enabled Vietnamese products to gain regulatory approvals across multiple ASEAN markets. [III] This approach has positioned Vietnamese pharmaceutical companies as important contributors to healthcare accessibility throughout Southeast Asia, especially in markets where expensive imported medications remain out of reach for many patients. [IV]

Looking ahead, Vietnam faces both opportunities and challenges in further developing its pharmaceutical industry within ASEAN. The country must balance ambitious expansion goals with the need for sustainable practices and continued quality improvements. Vietnam's pharmaceutical sector would benefit from increased investment in advanced research facilities and specialized workforce training programs. Despite these challenges, industry analysts predict that Vietnam will continue strengthening its position as a pharmaceutical manufacturing center in ASEAN, potentially capturing up to 25% of the regional generic medication market within the next decade.

Question 31: The phrase “off the beaten track” in paragraph 1 could be best replaced by _________.

  1.  falling behind                B. breaking away                C. moving forward                D. looking around

Question 32: The word “its” in paragraph 1 refers to _________.

A. Research capabilities

B. International investment

C. Vietnam

D. Pharmaceutical industry

Question 33: According to the passage, all of the following are true about Vietnam's pharmaceutical industry EXCEPT?

A. It has implemented quality control systems aligned with international standards

B. It focuses on developing affordable generic medications

C. It expanded production during the COVID-19 pandemic

D. It has achieved complete pharmaceutical self-sufficiency

Question 34: Which of the following best summarises paragraph 2?

A. The pandemic boosted Vietnam's pharmaceutical growth through increased production and new research partnerships.

B. Vietnam's pharmaceutical companies focused primarily on vaccine development during the COVID-19 pandemic.

C. Medical supply shortages in Vietnam led to improved regional collaboration within the ASEAN marketplace.

D. International partners provided essential support to help Vietnam overcome its pharmaceutical limitations.

Question 35: The word “capacity” in paragraph 2 is OPPOSITE in meaning to _________.

  1. potential                        B. capability                        C. limitation                        D. productivity

Question 36: Where in paragraph 3 does the following sentence best fit?

Additionally, Vietnam has strategically focused on developing generic medications that address the region's most prevalent health concerns while remaining affordable.

  1. [I]                                B. [II]                                C. [III]                        D. [IV]

Question 37: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?

A. Vietnam should prioritize rapid growth over environmental concerns to achieve market dominance.

B. Vietnam needs to manage growth targets while maintaining sustainability and enhancing product quality.

C. Vietnam must focus on quality control systems before attempting to expand pharmaceutical production.

D. Vietnam's expansion requires international partnerships to ensure sustainable manufacturing practices.

Question 38: Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A. Vietnam has focused on affordable generic medications that address regional health concerns.

B. Vietnam's pharmaceutical industry has surpassed all other ASEAN countries in research capabilities.

C. The pandemic caused Vietnamese pharmaceutical companies to lose market share to foreign competitors.

D. Vietnam currently controls twenty-five percent of the regional pharmaceutical manufacturing market.

Question 39: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

A. Vietnam's pharmaceutical industry will soon exceed China's production capacity in Southeast Asia.

B. Vietnamese pharmaceutical companies prioritize profit margins over healthcare accessibility.

C. The COVID-19 pandemic permanently disrupted traditional pharmaceutical supply chains in ASEAN.

D. Vietnam's focus on affordable medications has improved healthcare access across Southeast Asia.

Question 40: Which of the following best summarises the passage?

A. Vietnam's pharmaceutical industry faces insurmountable challenges despite recent growth in regional markets.

B. Vietnam has developed its pharmaceutical industry into a regional competitor with continued growth potential.

C. The COVID-19 pandemic was the primary catalyst for all advancements in Vietnam's pharmaceutical sector.

D. Vietnam's pharmaceutical companies have surpassed international standards in research and development.

TEST 1 - UNIT 4 - ASEAN and Vietnam