This was affirmed by Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc at the regular Cabinet meeting on Thursday, the first cabinet meeting after 21 new members were elected to the government.
Over two working days, members of the government discussed the economic difficulties in April. The consumer price index rose steadily over the past 4 months, while state budget collection only reached 25% of the estimate. The Index of Industrial Production only rose by 7%, lower than the 10% increase in the same period last year.
From the beginning of the year, exports only grew by 6%, indicating the lowest growth in the past 5 years. So far the damage from drought and salinity has reached about 360 million US dollars. Members of the government also saw that inflation and credit growth increased, but GDP did not meet expected growth.
In order to achieve a 6.7% growth rate for the whole year, 6% growth should be reached in the 2nd quarter, and over 7% in the 3rd quarter. This is considered a difficult target. However, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc reaffirmed that the government will not alter the growth target plan set by the National Assembly. The PM emphasised that the Government should shift from using administrative orders to creating conditions that will assist development.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said: The government creates favourable conditions and assists the development of the country. It aims to serve residents and enterprises, which increases confidence in the government itself.
Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc also asked ministries to set plans that will increase hospital and education fees in a suitable way, as well as to review the BOT model in transport projects.
According to Prime Minister Phúc, the government will further decentralise administration at all levels, so ministers and government officials will have time to perfect their policies. Government members and local agencies must also be responsible for anti-corruption missions.
Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc ordered that the Ministry of Health stay active in preventing epidemics, especially dengue, and the Ministry of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs continue to help locals overcome drought, salinisation, and other weather hardships. Prime Minister Phúc emphasised that the need for fresh water, food, and education must be prioritised, and food safety guaranteed.
Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc requested that the Ministry of Education and Training make thorough preparations for high school entrance examinations and doctoral degree programmes. Child safety during the summer holiday must also be secured.
He asked ministries to take action according to the prime minister’s conclusion on May 1st about the recent mass fish deaths. Finally, Prime Minister Phúc ordered the government to provide the press with sufficient information about hot issues, and to assist the development of state-owned agencies./.
