We request that the Government provide a full report on the basis for the electricity price increase.

This morning (May 8th), the Standing Committee of the National Assembly heard the Government's report on the supplementary assessment of the results of implementing the socio-economic development plan for 2018 and the situation of implementing the socio-economic development plan for 2019.

The government statedmany shortcomings and limitations

Presenting the report on behalf of the Government, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung stated that the socio-economic development plan targets for 2018 were achieved, with relatively comprehensive results across all sectors. This further affirms Vietnam's role as a pivotal year in the 2016-2020 five-year socio-economic development plan.

However, the Government also frankly pointed out some existing shortcomings and limitations, mainly in the management and implementation of inflation control and macroeconomic stability through monetary policy, which still harbor many risks and challenges due to the high degree of openness of the economy and the not-yet-solid resilience of the domestic economy.

The implementation of the three breakthroughs in the 2011-2020 socio-economic development strategy has generally been slow, and some shortcomings and limitations have not been thoroughly addressed.

According to the report, the management, exploitation, and use of land, resources, and minerals are still wasteful, not in accordance with planning, and violate the law. Water and air quality in many industrial zones, clusters, craft villages, production facilities, and river basins do not meet safety standards.

"Discipline and order are not strictly enforced in some areas; the organizational structure is still cumbersome; coordination between sectors and levels is not highly effective, and there is still a tendency to avoid and shift responsibility. The security and order situation in some areas is becoming complicated," said Mr. Nguyen Chi Dung, emphasizing that the aforementioned shortcomings and limitations are due to many objective and subjective reasons, with subjective reasons being the main ones.

Regarding 2019, the Government stated that, in addition to the achievements, the Vietnamese economy still faces many difficulties and new challenges.

GDP growth in the first quarter of 2019 is estimated at 6.79%, which, while still a relatively high rate given the unfavorable global economic conditions and higher than the first-quarter growth rates of 2011-2017, is showing signs of slowing down. Forecasts indicate that in the remaining months, the economy will continue to face significant challenges stemming from its own internal factors.

Clarifying the reasons for the electricity price increase.

The report of the National Assembly's Economic Committee also stated that, based on the 10 groups of tasks and solutions in the National Assembly's Resolutions, the Government has actively implemented and concretized them into 186 specific tasks and projects since the beginning of the year, assigning targets to central and local ministries and agencies, and issuing many solutions to improve the business environment and enhance national competitiveness in 2019 and with a view to 2021.

However, industrial production in the first four months of the year showed signs of stagnation. Agricultural, forestry, and fisheries production generally faced many difficulties. "Illegal lending" activities remained very complex, causing many negative consequences, affecting people's lives, and disrupting social order and security.

"Many people have suggested that the Government should fully assess and report on the basis for the increase in gasoline and electricity prices and the impact of this price increase on the CPI, as well as on economic and social aspects," said Vu Hong Thanh, Chairman of the Economic Committee.

Emphasizing that 2019 is a crucial year for achieving a breakthrough and successfully implementing the goals of the 2016-2020 five-year socio-economic development plan, the reviewing agency proposed faster implementation and a more substantial and vigorous reduction of administrative procedures in all areas.

The Economic Committee also proposed clearly identifying cases of violations in the organization of the 2018 national high school graduation exam, and strictly handling them according to the law, especially the complicity and violations of civil servants and officials in the education sector or holding management positions at the local level; focusing on directing and organizing the 2019 high school and university entrance exams well to avoid the mistakes and shortcomings that have occurred before.

In addition, it is necessary to improve management, strengthen inspection and supervision of land and mineral exploitation in localities, and prevent organizations and individuals from violating the law and taking advantage of loopholes. Strictly handle cases of using alcohol or beer while driving; and complete the implementation of non-stop automatic toll collection as soon as possible...

"We must take decisive action against acts of sexual harassment against women and child abuse. We must promptly investigate and handle activities involving brokering Vietnamese women to go abroad for surrogacy," Mr. Vu Hong Thanh emphasized in his report on the review.