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| Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (standing) speaks at the meeting (Photo: VNA) |
He noted that global economic growth was negative from January-April due to the
pandemic.
In the period, Vietnamese ministries and departments focused on carrying out
dual tasks of protecting people’s health while fueling economic development.
The government has issued a number of directives and resolutions to remove
difficulties for enterprises and ensure welfare policies and social order and
safety.
As a result, the economy still reported year-on-year growth of 3.82 percent.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) evaluated that Vietnam will enjoy the
highest growth in Southeast Asia this year, which is projected at 2.7 percent,
said PM Phuc.
He added that the country aims to achieve a higher rate as sectors and
businesses resume operations while taking drastic safety measures.
The government leader requested that along with attaining the highest growth
possible, it is necessary to curb inflation below 4 percent, while developing
businesses and promoting infrastructure construction. Especially, transport
projects must be kicked off and have the investment form shifted from
public-private partnership to public investment.
Besides, greater attention should be paid to social issues, including the
upcoming high school entrance exam, the implementation of an aid package worth
62 trillion VND (2.6 billion USD), and socio-economic development projects for
ethnic minorities.
PM Phuc emphasised the need to disburse 700 trillion VND (over 29.7 billion USD)
of public investment in 2020, while ordering ministries, sectors and localities
to work hard to realise the plan.
The PM mentioned the country’s achievements in containing the COVID-19 pandemic,
highlighting the drastic, synchronous and timely direction of the Party and the
State, and joint efforts of the entire political system and people in the fight
against the disease.
The pandemic has been basically controlled without zero deaths, he said.
He noted that in recent online international conferences and telephone talks,
leaders of other countries and international organisations highly valued
Vietnam’s effective COVID-19 response measures.
The PM lauded the sense of responsibility of agencies and sectors, and the
public support for fighting the pandemic.
About 2 trillion VND (85.1 million USD) has been mobilised in response to the
campaign launched by the PM and the President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front
Central Committee to support the battle against the disease.
However, it is necessary to maintain vigilance, he reiterated, adding that the
Government will convene a meeting this week to put forth measures to continue
containing the epidemic, while facilitating business and production.
During the meeting, Cabinet members will look into the socio-economic situation
in April and the first four months of this year, the fight against COVID-19, and
the draft resolution of the National Assembly Standing Committee on principles,
criteria and quota of public investment allocation from the state budget for
2021-2025, among others./.
VNA
.jpg "Phu Quy Island starts peak tourism season")
