Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc chaired the government’s monthly meeting in Hanoi on November 3, urging further support for businesses. 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc chaired the government’s monthly meeting in Hanoi on November 3.

Before the opening of the meeting, he presented the President’s Decision to appoint two new government members, Transport Minister Nguyen Van The and Government Inspector General Le Minh Khai. The PM expressed his hope that they will make important contributions to the success of the government and the nation. 

In his opening speech, PM Phuc lauded ministries, agencies and localities for tackling difficulties and improving the business climate, particularly in preparing for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting scheduled for November 6-11 in the central city of Da Nang. 

He noted with delight that the World Bank recently upgraded Vietnam’s from the 82nd to 68th place in terms of business climate, saying the rankings are based on criteria regarding electronic taxation procedures and electronic procedures settlement. 

The PM added that the credit rating agency Moody’s also lifted Vietnam’s banking services outlook from stable to positive, a positive sign for the banking and credit sector. 

According to him, the economy in October performed the most positively since early this year. The index of industrial production rose by 17 percent, led by manufacturing and processing. 

Exports kept growing in the month, with farm produce and currency key earners. Trade surplus hit 1.23 billion USD in the first ten months. 

During October, 105,000 firms were established. 

On flooding that caused serious losses in several localities, he asked Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong to go to the south central region soon to direct recovery. 

The PM called for tackling excessive fee collection in primary schools, delayed disbursement of basic investment capital, and other socio-cultural and environmental issues.

The leader requested government members discuss socio-economic goals 2018 in line with the resolution by the Party Central Committee and the National Assembly’s resolution, towards refining Resolution 01 of the government. 

Participants are also due to debate 16 other important contents, including building policies and mechanisms for Ho Chi Minh City.-VNA