The government held its regular meeting in April 2013.

Continuing to focus on removing obstacles and promoting production and business development, concentrating on strengthening solutions to stabilize the macroeconomy; not being complacent or negligent in the goal of curbing inflation; implementing a flexible and effective monetary policy; resolutely maintaining exchange rate stability... these were important issues discussed at the Government's April 2013 meeting.

The government held its regular meeting in April 2013. Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

On April 26, the Government held its regular monthly meeting for April 2013, chaired by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

Continue to focus on removing obstacles and promoting the development of production and business.

Discussing the socio-economic situation in April and the first four months of 2013, government members noted that the macroeconomic situation continued to show positive developments.

Inflation was brought under control, with the consumer price index (CPI) in April 2013 increasing by only 0.02% compared to the previous month, the lowest increase for the same period in the past four years; prices and markets remained relatively stable; interest rates continued to be adjusted downwards, contributing to alleviating difficulties for production and business activities; exchange rates and the foreign exchange market remained relatively stable; liquidity in commercial banks improved significantly; the State's foreign exchange reserves increased; exports continued to maintain high growth; social security continued to be ensured; the lives of the people, especially the poor, the unemployed, and families with meritorious contributions to the revolution, were given attention…

Besides affirming the achievements, government members also frankly pointed out shortcomings and limitations that need to be addressed, most notably: Both the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector and the industry and construction sector are facing certain difficulties; industrial production, especially processing and manufacturing industries, is struggling due to high input costs, reduced purchasing power, and slow consumption; lending interest rates remain high compared to the capital absorption capacity of businesses; the restructuring of commercial banks and the handling of bad debts in the banking system and real estate market are progressing slowly...

Many government members believe that it is necessary to continue focusing strongly on removing obstacles and creating conditions to promote production and business development in order to maintain growth momentum, with the immediate focus on effectively implementing solutions to promote agricultural and industrial production. In industry, special attention should be paid to supporting industries, processing, and manufacturing. In agricultural development, it is necessary to proactively grasp the situation and respond to the complex developments of natural disasters and epidemics; and to focus on implementing solutions to encourage and support exports...

According to Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat, the agricultural sector continues to develop, but also faces many difficulties, the biggest of which is the complex disease situation and drought in the Central and Central Highlands regions, which have significantly affected agricultural production. Minister Cao Duc Phat proposed that the Government and relevant ministries and agencies support localities in combating drought and disease; and support people in switching to crop varieties to cope with drought.

Minister Cao Duc Phat also requested that ministries, sectors, and localities be more proactive and decisive in the prevention and control of poultry diseases, closely monitor the developments of the disease situation, strengthen disease control, and resolutely prevent the smuggling of poultry in border areas; preventing the spread of diseases on a large scale, especially avian influenza and swine fever...

In addition, Minister Cao Duc Phat proposed that the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continue to implement synchronized solutions to expand export markets for agricultural products, especially key agricultural products considered to be Vietnam's strengths.

Highlighting some key results related to inspection work and handling complaints and denunciations, the Inspector General of the Government, Huynh Phong Tranh, emphasized that localities need to pay more attention to and more effectively implement the handling of complaints and denunciations at the grassroots level to avoid the situation of complaints escalating to the central level; and coordinate well with functional agencies to definitively resolve persistent, complex, and protracted mass complaints.

Regarding the banking sector's performance, Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam, Nguyen Van Binh, stated that the economy's capital mobilization is currently relatively good, the exchange rate is stable, bank liquidity has significantly improved, the State's foreign exchange reserves have increased, and public confidence in the Vietnamese Dong remains stable. The target of 12% credit growth is therefore achievable. Governor Nguyen Van Binh also mentioned that the State Bank is currently working closely with the Ministry of Construction to develop and issue specific mechanisms, policies, and guidelines for the early implementation of a support package for middle-income and low-income individuals to borrow money to buy housing.

Emphasizing that the disease situation in livestock and poultry is becoming increasingly complex, and that widespread outbreaks would significantly impact public health and cause substantial economic losses, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc requested that ministries, sectors, and localities continue to closely monitor the disease situation in livestock and poultry to implement effective response measures.

The opinions of Minister of Transport Dinh La Thang, Inspector General of the Government Huynh Phong Tranh, Minister of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs Pham Thi Hai Chuyen, and several other members of the Government also suggested the need to further accelerate the implementation of economic restructuring projects and key national transport projects; to have preferential policies for businesses that employ a large workforce; to strictly handle businesses that deliberately delay social insurance payments; to focus on vocational training and job creation for workers; to provide adequate support to people in areas affected by natural disasters and epidemics to help them stabilize their lives and production; to strengthen traffic patrol and control, and to effectively implement solutions to reduce congestion and curb traffic accidents...

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung delivers concluding remarks at the meeting. Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Focus on macroeconomic stability, and do not neglect the goal of controlling inflation.

Concluding the meeting, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung stated that in April and the first four months of 2013, ministries, sectors, and localities had thoroughly implemented and closely followed the resolutions of the Central Committee and the Government. The results of implementing socio-economic development tasks show that the situation in all aspects continues to show positive changes. However, it must be frankly acknowledged that some aspects are still lagging, some are not yet stable, and some still face many difficulties and obstacles. Therefore, the tasks for the remaining months of 2013 are extremely challenging. The requirement is to steadfastly and persistently pursue the socio-economic development goals set for 2013, without considering any adjustments.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung emphasized that leaders of ministries, sectors, and localities must adhere closely to the set goals and direct the implementation of tasks decisively, synchronously, and effectively. Accordingly, they must first focus on strengthening measures to stabilize the macroeconomy; avoid complacency and negligence in the goal of curbing inflation; implement flexible and effective monetary policy; and resolutely maintain exchange rate stability...

Along with that, we must practice strict austerity in public spending and combat waste; decisively direct the collection and expenditure of state budget funds, ensuring a balance between revenue and expenditure, and maintaining the approved budget deficit level. At the same time, we must accelerate the disbursement of investment capital from the central budget to boost aggregate demand in the economy, thereby stimulating economic growth. We must reform and create favorable conditions for attracting investment, especially foreign direct investment projects and high-tech projects that create high added value.

In addition, there is a need for more decisive action in implementing the restructuring of public investment, state-owned enterprises, and banks; and strict inspection and supervision of the implementation of these restructuring tasks.

At the same time, based on the actual situation, appropriate interest rate policies should be implemented to support production and the market; focusing on removing difficulties and promoting production and business development. Review and update the list of non-essential goods and goods that can be produced domestically to implement import control measures; strengthen trade promotion activities, develop the domestic market, and expand export markets...

Continue to focus on effectively implementing policies to ensure social security and welfare. Promote solutions to support rapid and sustainable poverty reduction in poor districts and particularly disadvantaged communes, villages, and hamlets. Pay attention to creating jobs and increasing income for workers. Relevant ministries and agencies should also promptly issue specific guidelines for those eligible to borrow funds for purchasing social housing.

The Prime Minister noted that ministries, sectors, and localities need to continue implementing decisive measures to ensure traffic safety and order, minimize traffic congestion and accidents; ensuring that in 2013 all three criteria – the number of accidents, the number of injured, and the number of fatalities – are reduced, with a particular focus on doing this well during the upcoming long holiday period of April 30th and May 1st.

Focus on monitoring and proactively implementing measures to prevent and control African swine fever, H5N1, H7N9, etc., and promptly support people in stabilizing production and livelihoods after natural disasters and epidemics. Implement comprehensive solutions to ensure national defense and security, maintain national sovereignty, ensure political security and social order, as well as solutions to ensure information security and cybersecurity.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung emphasized the need for ministries, sectors, and localities to pay close attention to information and communication work, providing objective, truthful, and multi-faceted information on all aspects of the socio-economic situation to create social consensus. Particular attention should be paid to information on the management of prices of essential goods, especially gasoline and diesel prices, to avoid situations where the public lacks information or has incomplete information, leading to a one-sided or even misunderstanding of gasoline and diesel price management, and the perception that such management lacks transparency.

According to (Chinhphu.vn) - LT