Striving to achieve the socio-economic targets for 2014.

The report was presented by Comrade Thai Van Hang, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, at the 11th session of the 16th Provincial People's Council.

- A. ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL SITUATION IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THE YEAR

Characteristics of the situation:In line with the national situation, the socio-economic situation of our province in the first six months of 2014 continued to face many difficulties due to the impact of weather and the complex development of epidemics; industrial production recovered but slowly; businesses still faced many difficulties, many businesses were dissolved, inventories were high, and the prices of some goods serving production increased; some human diseases developed unpredictably and still posed many potential uncertainties; prolonged heatwaves caused drought and the risk of forest fires... In particular, China's illegal placement of an oil rig in Vietnam's waters had a major impact on the lives, production, and business of people and enterprises...

Results achieved

1. Regarding economic development

The estimated GDP growth rate for the first six months of 2014 was approximately 6.37% compared to the same period last year. Specifically, the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector grew by 1.7%; the industry and construction sector by 9.3%; and the service sector by 7.59% compared to the same period last year. This six-month economic growth rate is higher than the same period in the previous two years (2013: 5.42%, 2012: 5.02%) and higher than the national average GDP growth rate (5.18%).

2. Agricultural, forestry, and fishery production

a) Crop production: Agricultural production in the first six months of 2014 mainly focused on harvesting spring crops, while simultaneously preparing the land and plowing for rice seedlings for the summer-autumn crop. The total planted area for winter-spring crops in 2013-2014 was estimated at 226,423 hectares, a decrease of 1.32% compared to the same period, mainly due to a decrease in the area of ​​winter crops in 2013.

The total grain production for the 2013-2014 winter-spring crop is estimated at 736,932 tons, an increase of 1.86% compared to the same period. Of this, rice yield in the spring crop is estimated at 66 quintals/hectare, an increase of 4.73 quintals/hectare compared to the same period, with an estimated rice production of 595,700 tons, an increase of 9.67% compared to the same period; corn yield is estimated at 35.44 quintals/hectare, with an estimated production of 141,232 tons; peanut yield is estimated at 20.67 quintals/hectare, with an estimated peanut production of 35,166 tons...

b) Livestock: To date, the province has an estimated total buffalo and cattle population of 666,010 head (including an estimated 292,178 buffalo and 373,832 cattle), a decrease of 1% compared to the same period last year; an estimated total pig population of 974,223 head, a decrease of 6.22% compared to the same period last year; and a poultry population of 16.74 million head, a decrease of 2.57% compared to the same period last year. In the first six months of 2014, outbreaks of disease occurred in livestock and poultry. The agricultural sector coordinated with localities to focus on prevention and control to prevent the spread of disease.

c) Forestry: The area of ​​concentrated forest planting was 5,954 hectares, a decrease of 1.85% compared to the same period last year. Emphasis was placed on forest enclosure, protection, and care. In the first six months of the year, 527 violations of the Forest Protection Law were detected and processed, with 5.64 billion VND collected from the sale of forest products and confiscated vehicles, and over 8 billion VND remitted to the state budget.

d) Fisheries: The total output of exploited and farmed aquatic products in the first six months is estimated at 69,971 tons, an increase of 11.24% compared to the same period last year. Of this, the exploited output is estimated at 50,424 tons, an increase of 13.36%, and the farmed output is estimated at 19,147 tons, an increase of 6.03%.

d) Building new rural areas: Localities strengthened propaganda and mobilization efforts to promote internal resources for building new rural areas; implemented the construction of production development models for the spring crop of 2014; built 1,045 km of rural roads under the province's cement support program, of which over 505 km were completed in the first six months of 2014; implemented rural construction projects using government bond funds...

By June 2014, the average number of criteria met per commune in the province was 8.8, an increase of 5.16 criteria per commune; currently, two communes have met all 19 criteria (meeting the New Rural Area standard) as announced by the Provincial People's Committee: Son Thanh commune in Yen Thanh district and Nghi Lien commune in Vinh City; five communes are undergoing assessment procedures to be announced as meeting all 19 criteria: Quynh Luong commune, Dien Hong commune, Kim Lien commune, and Hung Tan commune; it is expected that by the end of 2014, 15-17 communes will meet the New Rural Area standard.

3. Industrial production

Industrial production in the province, while showing signs of recovery, is still slow and facing many difficulties. Overall, in the first six months of 2014, the average industrial production index increased by 9.85% compared to the same period last year, with mining industry decreasing by 4.9%; manufacturing industry increasing by 11.56%; and electricity and water production and distribution industry increasing by 9.65%. In the first six months of the year, some industrial products showed increases compared to the same period in 2013: electricity production (up 12.89%), cement (up 31.23%), bricks (up 51.28%), refined sugar (up 19.65%), canned beer (up 13.29%), fresh milk (up 5.6 times), knitted shirts (up 59.66%), etc. However, many products still decreased compared to the same period (bottled beer decreased by 18.79%, processed construction stone decreased by 15.45%, NPK decreased by 13.76%...).

4. Service sector

- Trade sector: Total retail sales of goods in the first six months of 2014 are estimated at VND 16,859.96 billion, an increase of 12.16% compared to the same period last year. Export turnover in the first six months is estimated at USD 163.665 million, an increase of 12.22% compared to the same period last year. Import value in the first six months is estimated at USD 121.379 million, an increase of 25% compared to the same period last year. The consumer price index (CPI) in June 2014 increased by 1.05% compared to December 2013 (the national average was 1.38%).

- Tourism activities developed well, with tourism revenue increasing by 10% year-on-year; revenue from accommodation, food and travel services increased by 10.46% year-on-year. Transportation activities met the needs of goods transportation and people's travel, with transportation revenue increasing by 6.53% year-on-year; the Vinh - Vientiane international flight route was launched.

- The information and communication sector continues to develop. Total revenue for the postal, telecommunications, and information technology sector in the first six months is estimated at 1,648 billion VND, reaching 52.52% of the plan.

- Banking and finance sector: As of June 30, 2014, mobilized capital in the area was estimated at VND 60,311.8 billion, an increase of 7.5% compared to the beginning of the year. Total outstanding loans in the area were estimated at VND 101,895 billion, an increase of 6.2% compared to the beginning of the year; of which short-term loans accounted for an estimated 47.7% of total outstanding loans, an increase of 3.8% compared to the beginning of the year; medium and long-term loans accounted for 52.3% of total outstanding loans, an increase of 8.5% compared to the beginning of the year. Non-performing loans of credit institutions in the area were estimated at approximately VND 1,324 billion, accounting for 1.3% of total outstanding loans.

5. Status of budget revenue and expenditure implementation

Budget revenue for the first six months of 2014 is estimated at VND 3,487.569 billion, reaching 51.8% of the projected target, an increase of 19.6% compared to the same period last year. Domestic revenue alone is estimated at VND 2,945.579 billion, equivalent to 50.6% of the projected target and an increase of 16.7% compared to the same period last year. Budget expenditure for the first six months is estimated at VND 7,435.61 billion, reaching 46.2% of the projected target; of which development investment expenditure is VND 1,347.656 billion, reaching 48.9% of the projected target; and recurrent expenditure is VND 5,982.954 billion, reaching 45.7% of the projected target.

6. Regarding investment and construction, attracting investment and developing businesses.

- In the first six months of the year, the focus was on directing the implementation and disbursement of capital investment projects. Emphasis was placed on accelerating land clearance and construction progress for key projects such as National Highway 1A and the National Highway 46 overpass. In the first six months, the total capital mobilized from the entire society was estimated at VND 15,825 billion, equivalent to 45.28% of the plan, an increase of 8.6% compared to the same period last year. The volume of capital investment from the state budget in the first six months of 2014 was estimated at VND 1,111 billion, equivalent to 58.45% of the plan, with disbursement estimated at 57.63% of the plan; disbursement from government bond capital was estimated at 32.04%.

- Efforts to attract investment continued to receive attention. The investment promotion conference at the beginning of the year was successfully organized. As of June 16, 2014, investment certificates had been granted to 34 projects, with a total registered investment capital of VND 9,691 billion; including several large-scale projects such as the Hanoi Kim Lien Urban and Hotel Complex Project (VND 720 billion), the Lan Chau - Song Ngu Eco-tourism, Resort, Sports and Entertainment Complex in Cua Lo Town (VND 1,969 billion), Thanh Thanh Dat Port at Dong Hoi Seaport (VND 560 billion), the MDF fiberboard factory project in the Southeast Economic Zone (VND 1,558 billion),... Instructions were given to inspect projects that were behind schedule or not being implemented in the province.

- Regarding business development: As of June 16, 2014, 754 new business registration certificates had been issued, an increase of 13.5% compared to the same period.

7. Cultural and social field

a) Education and Training: Completed the school year program; the overall graduation rate for the province was 99.27%. In the 2014 National Excellent Student Competition, Nghe An had 107 students winning awards, ranking second nationwide, an increase of 7 students compared to last year. Achieved 1 Gold Medal and 1 Bronze Medal in the Asian Physics Olympiad; and 1 Silver Medal in the International Russian Language Olympiad.

b) Health: The disease situation in the province is under control, with no major or medium-sized outbreaks occurring, and disease factors are closely monitored. Medical examination and treatment, as well as food safety and hygiene, have significantly improved. Family planning services have been diversified to reduce the birth rate and improve the quality of the population. The inauguration of the Provincial Friendship Multi-Specialty Hospital with a capacity of 700 beds was held.

c) The fields of culture, information, physical education, and sports continued to progress, notably the organization of cultural activities, art performances, and sports events to celebrate major holidays and political events; the organization of an international scientific conference on Nghe An folk songs; the organization of activities commemorating the 124th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's birth and the successful organization of the 2014 Lang Sen Festival; and the organization of the 7th Provincial Sports Congress...

d) Scientific and technological activities are implemented according to the plan.

d) Poverty reduction, job creation, and social security issues have received attention and achieved many noteworthy results: In 6 months, 16,650 jobs were created (including 5,300 through labor export), and 27,000 people were enrolled in vocational training. The process of verifying and resolving policies and benefits for those who have rendered meritorious services to the revolution and providing social assistance to eligible individuals continued to be carried out promptly. In the National Skills Competition, Nghe An had 8 students winning prizes (1 first prize, 2 third prizes, and 5 consolation prizes).

8. State management and administrative reform

- Directing all sectors and levels to continue implementing the tasks according to the Action Program for implementing Resolution No. 26-NQ/TƯ of the Politburo.

- The organization of the administrative apparatus, staffing, and personnel for all levels and sectors is directed and implemented in a scientific manner, ensuring quality.

- Promote the civil service system and public officials, reform administrative procedures, and strengthen administrative discipline and order in accordance with Directive No. 17-CT/TU of the Provincial Party Committee and Directive No. 10/CT-UBND of the Provincial People's Committee.

- The Provincial People's Committee has provided timely, decisive, specific, and thorough guidance. Many measures have been implemented to manage mineral exploitation activities and combat tax evasion, etc.

- Implementing the 2014 administrative reform plan; implementing the one-stop shop and integrated one-stop shop mechanisms to handle work for citizens and businesses is a priority; applying information technology to management, direction, operation, and public service execution.

9. National defense and security were maintained; ethnic and religious security remained stable; rural and border security were ensured. Regarding China's illegal placement of the HD 981 oil rig in Vietnam's sovereign waters, the Provincial People's Committee promptly directed relevant departments and levels to closely monitor developments, promptly handle any incidents, and stabilize the situation in the province. Inspection and handling of complaints and denunciations were given attention, with 84.1% of cases resolved.

II. LIMITATIONS AND PROBLEMS

1. The economic growth rate for the first six months did not meet the set target (estimated at 6.37%/target of 7-8%). Tax arrears remain high and are trending upwards (as of May 31, 2014, the total tax arrears exceeded 873 billion VND). Social insurance arrears are significant (as of April 30, 2014, arrears for social insurance, health insurance, and unemployment insurance amounted to over 288 billion VND, accounting for 7.4% of the total amount due).

2. The added value of the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector increased by only 1.7%, lower than the same period in 2013 (which saw a 4.33% increase). Except for a bumper rice crop, the production of most major crops decreased: corn decreased by 21.65%; potatoes by 23.76%; vegetables by 0.4%; peanuts by 18.45%;... Livestock production also declined, with lower output. There were 23 forest fires, affecting over 151.23 hectares.

3. Industrial production continues to face many difficulties; some industrial products are selling slowly, resulting in large inventories, leading businesses to reduce production. The trade in counterfeit and substandard goods remains a complex issue.

4. The progress of many projects remains slow. The final settlement of completed projects in some districts has not been completed on time. Outstanding construction debts remain significant. Counterpart funding for ODA projects is still facing many difficulties.

5. Several pressing social issues persist, such as the slowing progress in constructing national standard schools, hospital overcrowding, a high rate of third and subsequent births, and unresolved environmental pollution; violations of laws regarding land management, forest resource protection, and mineral exploitation still occur…

6. The implementation of Directive 17-CT/TU of the Provincial Party Committee on strengthening administrative discipline and order in agencies and units in the province has basically achieved a positive ripple effect, but there are still cases of violations causing public dissatisfaction.

7. Illegal religious activities continue to occur in some areas and pose many potential complications. Gambling, drug trafficking, and human trafficking across borders are on the rise. Several large-scale protests and complaints continue to take place (mainly in Vinh City).

B. TASKS AND SOLUTIONS FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS OF 2014

Forecasts for the last six months of the year indicate that the socio-economic situation will remain challenging, with natural disasters, epidemics, and complex weather patterns. To ensure the successful achievement of the 2014 plan targets, the following key areas should be prioritized during the last six months of 2014:

1. Focus on addressing shortcomings and limitations in the first six months of 2014; direct all sectors and levels to closely follow the work program of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, the Provincial People's Committee, and the tasks and solutions in the 2014 socio-economic development plan.

2. Accelerate the implementation of the new rural development program. Provide decisive direction for summer-autumn, main crop, and winter crop production. Strengthen efforts to prevent and control drought, forest fires, explosions, floods, and storms. Effectively implement policies supporting investment in agricultural and rural development, including the Government's policies on promoting the development of the fisheries sector and the marine economy in conjunction with protecting maritime sovereignty.

3. Promote industrial production; remove obstacles to production and business, especially in the processing industry. Actively and proactively exploit and expand markets, strengthen trade promotion, and boost export activities. Further promote the campaign "Vietnamese people prioritize using Vietnamese goods," especially consuming products manufactured within the province.

4. Directing the development of the economy, production, business, services, and tourism. Creating favorable conditions for commercial banks to develop and effectively implement the Bank-Enterprise connection program as directed by the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam. Accelerating the handling of bad debts and promoting credit growth to serve production and business.

5. Focus on accelerating the progress of projects, especially key projects. Promote investment attraction, actively coordinate and supervise the implementation, and support signed and ongoing projects in the province. Prepare and coordinate effectively for the summary of 10 years of socio-economic development cooperation between Nghe An province and Ho Chi Minh City.

6. Effectively implement solutions to increase budget revenue and recover outstanding tax debts; practice thrift and combat waste in budget spending.

7. Effectively implement tasks in the socio-cultural field, paying attention to continuing to promote poverty eradication and job creation; completing student enrollment and implementing tasks for the 2014-2015 school year; actively directing the construction of national standard schools; doing a good job in disease prevention and control; and promoting population communication...

8. Continue to effectively direct the organization of the administrative apparatus and adjust the functions and tasks of agencies and units according to regulations. Implement the province's policy to attract high-quality human resources effectively. Continue to strictly implement Directive No. 17/CT-TU dated December 3, 2013, of the Provincial Party Committee on strengthening administrative discipline and order in agencies and units. Promote administrative reform, improve the provincial competitiveness index (PCI); strengthen the application of information technology, and build e-government…

9. Effectively carry out local defense and military tasks, ensuring political security and social order. The situation in the islands and seas is becoming increasingly complex; focus on persuasion, management, and guidance to prevent security breaches and hotspots caused by malicious elements inciting unrest. Focus on resolving religious issues. Effectively handle complaints, denunciations, and petitions from the people. Focus on addressing pressing and prominent issues reflected in the press.

10. Timely disseminate information, guide public opinion, and create high consensus in society to leverage combined strength and strive to complete the socio-economic targets for 2014. At the same time, direct all levels and sectors to review the goals and targets of the Resolution of the 17th Provincial Party Congress to propose solutions for implementation. Prepare well the socio-economic development plan and the State budget estimate for 2015 in accordance with the spirit of Directive No. 14/CT-TTg dated June 14, 2014 of the Prime Minister, ensuring progress and quality.

Provincial People's Committee