The Government will take measures to create momentum for economic development right in the first months of this year, particularly in the context of dropping oil prices, Chairman of the Government Office Minister Nguyen Van Nen said at a regular press briefing on January 29.

He said all sectors should speed up the disbursement of capital for projects, particularly those in infrastructure, while continuing to improve the business and investment climate as well as raising competitive capacity to catch up with the four more developed countries in the ASEAN by the end of this year.

Minister Nen also urged ministries, sectors and local authorities to provide timely support for farmers hard hit by the recent severe cold spell.

Mentioning preparations for the upcoming Lunar New Year, the minister said the trade-industry sectors have been instructed to stock up on goods and keep a close check on good quality and food safety.

The transport sector is required to ensure sufficient means of transport to meet the need of people who want to return home for Tet.

The minister reported a positive socio-economic situation in the first month of 2016, with the consumer price index not changing from the previous month while total demand and purchasing power increased, as seen in an 11.7 percent increase in total retail and service revenues.

According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, January’s exports revenue went up 2.2 percent year on year to an estimated 13.8 billion USD. Foreign direct investment also improved with the numbers of both new projects and expanded projects more than doubling from the same period last year.

The government has instructed ministries to take action to facilitate export and control imports, as well as assist domestic enterprises in getting ready to adapt to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, free trade agreements and commitments to the ASEAN Community.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai informed the media that Minister of Industry and Trade Vu Huy Hoang will lead a delegation to Australia and New Zealand as from January 30 to bolster cooperation with the two countries. The delegation includes many business representatives, who wish to study the advantages offered by free trade agreements, the deputy minister said.

PM encourages preparations for safe, prosperous Lunar New Year

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung requested ministries and all-level authorities to gear up to provide a happy Tet (Lunar New Year) festival for all people at the Government's monthly meeting yesterday.

The meeting took place with little more than one week left until Tet.

The Cabinet leader asked that the supply of goods be balanced with the extra demand, that goods be high quality with stable prices, that food hygiene and safety ensured, and that the drastic fight against smuggling and counterfeits strengthened.

He instructed the relevant authorities to pay special attention to low-income earners, rural residents, and social policy beneficiaries – so as to give all people a happy Tet.

While the transport sector has to ensure sufficient vehicles to meet the surging travel demand before and after Tet, public security forces must be ready to safeguard political security, and social order and safety, and strictly deal with the storage, transportation and use of firecrackers during the festival. The police were also ordered to step up fire and explosion prevention and ensure traffic safety.

Minister of Industry and Trade Vu Huy Hoang cited preliminary data that by December 31, 2015, 48 of the 63 provinces and centrally-run cities had designed measures to help companies ensure goods supplies for Tet. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Planning and Investment confirmed that ministries, sectors and localities were working hard to prepare for the year's biggest festival.

At the meeting, PM Dung urged special heed be given to the treatment of the consequences of the recent severe cold spell by helping farmers resume agricultural activities.

Ministries, sectors and localities were also asked to keep control of inflation and prices, consolidate macro-economic stability, continue seeking export markets while containing the trade deficit, and support businesses in expanding operations.

He also asked them to be more active in international economic integration and optimise opportunities provided by free trade agreements, particularly the new-generation accords that Viet Nam has signed with big partners.

Also at the function, the Ministry of Planning and Investment reported that in January, the Consumer Price Index remained unchanged compared to the previous month, while industrial and agricultural production and services continued developing.

Export revenue rose, which helped reduce the trade deficit. Viet Nam also recorded growth in FDI attraction and disbursement, as well as the disbursed sum of ODA and preferential loans.

The ministry also highlighted the absolute safety guaranteed during the 12th National Party Congress. 

VNA/VNS