The 2015 socio-economic goals were feasible based on the past seven-month performance and provided efforts continued to be made, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said at the monthly Government meeting in Ha Noi July 31.

Reports at the meeting said positive developments had been seen in most fields, with a more stable macro-economy, controlled inflation and growth buoyed by manufacturing and processing, coupled with improved total demand and purchasing power in both the domestic and export markets.

In his speech, the PM demanded continuing synchronous and effective measures set from the onset of this year. Each sector must choose their own core and breakthrough stages to achieve as many goals as possible, especially those related to growth, he said.

He agreed to the tasks set forth by the Ministry of Planning and Investment in its January-July socio-economic report, including pushing forward improvements to the business climate and national competitiveness, flexibly adjusting interest and foreign exchange rates, closely monitoring prices and market movements, effectuating fiscal policies, boosting exports and controlling the trade deficit and ensuring social welfare.

On the National Target Programmes, the leader asked relevant agencies to give feedback on a report reviewing the programmes, especially those on new rural areas and sustainable poverty reduction.

He and Government members also voiced their determination to push the e-government model forward and agreed to issue a resolution and specific plans and directives in this respect.

Agencies were told to provide the United Nations bodies with correct data regarding indicators assessing Viet Nam's e-government model.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao DucPhat told the meeting that his ministry was taking drastic measures to restructure the agriculture sector, which is facing difficulties due to natural disasters and falling farm produce prices.

Participants proposed giving priorities to production and trading, trade promotion at home and abroad, adoption of technological advances in manufacturing, strengthening connectivity in production, processing and consumption and capitalising on opportunities brought about by free trade agreements.

The meeting also discussed price stabilisation for container handling services at CaiMep-ThiVai deep-water seaport in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, and draft laws on pharmaceuticals and child protection, care and education.

Also high on the agenda were support for the poor and the underprivileged in remote and disaster-prone areas, improvements to healthcare services, control of epidemics and food hygiene.

VNS