High hopes expressed in National Assembly for new prime minister

Former prime minister Nguyen Tan Dung was the focus of the National Assembly and the media on April 6th. NA deputies expressed their appreciation for the work done by the outgoing ministers and prime minster especially in overcoming the difficulties the economy faced in the recent period. These efforts helped stabilise the macro-economy, control inflation and stabilise the exchange rate.

Dinh Huy Chien, NA Deputy of Thai Nguyen Province said: "The prime minister demonstrated his responsibility and dedication to the country especially in terms of the both internal and foreign affairs. The PM did well to push the economy towards greater international integration and protected the country’s sovereignty".

Than Duc Nam, NA Deputy of Danang City said: "The government and ministries have significantly focused on dealing with inflation until economic growth rose from 6.5 to 6.7% per year. I thought that the government did a very successful job in the last tenure".

Vietnam’s gross domestic product experienced a four-fold increase over the past decade. If in 2006 the total export turnover of the country stood at around 70 billion USD, this figure reached nearly 330 billion USD last year. However, the challenges that the new administration will face are extensive. These include a budget deficit and public debt of 62% of GDP. In addition, the process of implementing various free trade agreements and the maintenance of sovereignty will be challenging.

Le Thanh Van, NA Deputy of Hai Duong Province said: “I think the government must unite the whole country. It is the key strength and the symbol of a crossbow that can protect the territory”.

Bui Duc Thu, NA Deputy of Lai Chau Province said: “The government should focus on macro-economic stability in order to ensure solid growth of the economy at a reasonable level”.

Do Van Duong, NA Deputy of Ho Chi Minh City said: “The new government must be more active and creative in order to solve all the issues related to basic everyday issues such as food safety and severe drought”.

The newly elected prime minister will be sworn in on April 7^th and Deputy PMs, ministers as well as other government members will also take office the same day.