Speaking at the event, PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc asked all sectors, localities and enterprises to co-ordinate more closely together in order to make stronger changes in the competitiveness of the economy.
Individual responsibilities, especially among the heads of ministries, agencies and sectors departments, were also requested to build measurable socio-economic indicators for 2018, as well as to reform the political system at all levels, he noted.
While delivering his report at the conference, Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) Le Minh Hung said that, based on the directions and orientations of the Government, the SBV has devised synchronous and flexible monetary management tools to stabilise the market and curb inflation at a low level.
The SBV has also reduced the interest rates by 0.25% per annum. On that basis, credit institutions have reduced their short-term lending rates by 0.5% per annum for priority sectors.
One of the prominent achievements of the SBV in 2017 was that it has bought a large amount of foreign currency, raising the State's foreign exchange reserves to nearly US$52 billion, the highest ever, contributing to strengthening the confidence of investors and businesses, and increasing prestige and national potential.
In his closing speech, the PM expressed his appreciation for the views raised at the event and asked ministries and localities to acquire the directions made by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Nguyen Phu Trong at the conference on December 28.
The Government leader also emphasised that more drastic efforts should be made to mobilise social investment to make up 34% of the GDP in 2018, while thoroughly selecting FDI projects and resolutely rejecting any that pose high risks of environmental pollution.
Tourism and services are other fields that the PM believes will develop more forcefully in 2018. Vietnam strives to welcome 15-17 million international tourists in 2018 and 20 million overseas holidaymakers by 2020, he said, adding that, in order to realise the goal, the tourism sector should develop its infrastructure, while ensuring safety and security for visitors.
The PM also tasked economic groups and State-run companies to accelerate reshuffles and equitisation, citing the successful divestment at the Vietnam Dairy Products Joint Stock Company and the Saigon Beer, Alcohol and Beverage Corporation (Sabeco).
Regarding the agriculture sector, the PM asked the sector to double its efforts in order to gross US$40 billion in export turnover. He also called for double efforts to strike the goal of 6.5-6.7% in economic growth set by the National Assembly.
The PM also directed to ensure the supply of essential goods for people during Tet (Lunar New Year), especially in flood prone areas.
