Vietnam expects to achieve all major targets in 2019

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc speak at the session

Vietnam expects to fulfill all socio-economic development targets in 2019, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc told the National Assembly in Hanoi on October 21.

In presenting a report on socio-economic situation in 2019 and socio-economic development plan for 2020 at the eighth session of the 14th-tenure National Assembly, the PM said 2019 is expected to be the second consecutive year when the country achieves all 12 major objectives, with five surpassed.

He said the economic growth is forecast to be higher than the target, while macro-economic stability is maintained and inflation kept under control, and major economic balances are strengthened.

The national gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to expand by 6.8 percent this year, one of the highest growth rates in the region and the world, the PM said, stressing that the results are attributable to great endeavours of administrations at all levels, all sectors and the entire nation amidst challenges to agriculture and difficulties faced by export activities.

Over the past time, Vietnam has maintained the macro-economy firmly in the face of uncertainties of the global financial and monetary markets, with the consumer price index (CPI) growing less than 3 percent, lower than the set target, PM Phuc said.

The building of new-style rural areas has reaped outstanding achievements, he reported, adding that by the end of this year, about 53-54 percent of communes and 110 districts are set to win the status, meeting the target set for 2020 nearly two years ahead of schedule.

The Government leader also highlighted outcomes in other areas like Party building and rectification, political system consolidation and the combat against corruption and wastefulness.

Mentioning recent complex developments in the East Sea, including serious infringements upon Vietnam’s waters, PM Phuc affirmed that the Party and State have resolutely and persistently struggled against the violations by many measures in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, while maintaining a peaceful environment, friendship and cooperation with other countries.

However, apart from these above-said achievements, there still remain weaknesses and challenges that need great efforts to be addressed in the time ahead, he pointed out.

Regarding the socio-economic development plan for 2020, PM Phuc said the year 2020 is of significance as it marks the 90th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the 75th National Day and the 130th birthday of late President Ho Chi Minh. All-level Party congresses will also be held in the year, towards the 13th National Party Congress.

He listed the overall goals for 2020, which are stabilizing the macro-economy; controlling inflation; improving productivity, quality, efficiency and competitiveness of the national economy, accelerating reform and perfection of institutions, creating a favourable, open business environment, stepping up economic restructuring in combination with growth model reform, speeding up the implementation of major national projects, promoting the role of key economic zones and major urban areas, developing high-quality human resources, and spurring economic growth rapidly and sustainably.

Vietnam will try its best to well perform its roles as ASEAN Chair in 2020 and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 term, while firmly protecting national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and a peaceful and stable environment for development, and improving the country’s prestige and position in the international area, PM Phuc said.

He presented some major targets set for next year, including a GDP growth rate at about 6.8 percent, poverty reduction of 1-1.5 percent and health coverage of 90.7 percent, among others.

In an assessment report, head of the NA’s Economic Committee Vu Hong Thanh suggested increasing the rate of trained labourers to serve the target of high-quality human resources development.

Besides, the committee recommended paying more attention to the progress and quality of drafting laws, law enforcement, effective streamlining of administrative procedures, the transparent and strict handling of violations in performing public duties, environmental protection and the fight against diseases and crimes./.