Vietnam's economy slowed in the first quarter from the three months prior, data showed on Saturday, as heavy exposure to Middle Eastern oil imports boosted inflation, presenting a challenge in reaching an annual growth target, authorities said. Gross domestic product grew 7.83% in the quarter from January to March over the corresponding period a year earlier, but below 8.46% in the fourth quarter, the National Statistics Office said in a report. "The pressure from rising input costs and energy prices on inflation remains, posing challenges for economic governance," the NSO added on Saturday.