Prime Minister directs not to increase prices and fees

Speaking at the Government's regular press conference on the afternoon of February 2, Minister, Chairman of the Government Office, Government Spokesperson Mai Tien Dung said,On the same day, speaking at the opening of the regular Government meeting in January 2018, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc stated that the start of the new year was better than the same period in 2017 with strong impressions on a number of indicators, especially in major economic centers.

Great trust of consumers and society

Continuing the momentum of 2017, with the proactive direction of implementing Resolution 01 of the Government, the socio-economic situation has had positive changes in the first month of 2018. The Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) increased to 53.4 points, the highest in ASEAN, higher than Korea and China, this shows the great confidence of consumers and society.

Furthermore, the industrial production index increased by 20.9%, of which the processing and manufacturing industry increased by 23.8%, which were the driving forces for GDP growth. International tourists increased by 42%, reaching over 1.4 million arrivals. Newly established and re-established enterprises increased sharply, including 10,800 newly established enterprises (in the same period, there were nearly 9,000 enterprises), and more than 4,500 enterprises re-established. Foreign exchange reserves increased to nearly 57 billion USD. Culture and society have received special attention in recent times, especially for disadvantaged areas and areas of natural disasters.

"The start of the new year is better than the same period in 2017 with strong impressions on a number of indicators, especially in major economic centers" - Minister Mai Tien Dung emphasized. Furthermore,Because the Lunar New Year holiday this year does not coincide with January like last year, the first month of the year is the time when businesses focus on producing goods to serve Tet consumption, especially the processing and manufacturing industry. That is clearly shown in the production index.Industrial production nationwide and in some localities increased greatly such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Thai Nguyen, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Quang Nam, Vinh Phuc... Agricultural production is also stable with positive results....

No increase in prices and fees

The Prime Minister also noted that the consumer price increase of 0.51% in January was a high increase compared to the same period last year, requiring closer and more harmonious coordination in increasing electricity prices, education and health services, to ensure that the CPI increases below 4% (this whole year). Therefore, the Prime Minister proactively requested all levels and sectors, especially large centers, not to increase related prices and fees for now. Therefore, it is necessary to manage consumer prices well, with more specific and fundamental solutions.

However, the Minister said, there are some indicators that need attention, such as the low consumption rate of Vietnamese goods compared to imported goods.

According to the Government's assessment, Vietnam's economy is an open economy, with import-export/GDP ratio reaching 190%, so any global fluctuations directly affect Vietnam's economy, especially large economies such as the US, China, etc. Therefore, we cannot be negligent, subjective, or satisfied with the results of January 2018.

In addition, February is a month of severe cold, especially the month of Lunar New Year. The Prime Minister suggested that ministries, branches and localities pay more attention to people's health, along with plans for planting and raising livestock in the prolonged cold. This is something that the health sector and the agriculture and rural development sector must have measures to handle and respond to as soon as possible.

During the Lunar New Year, what are the requirements for supply and demand of goods, ensuring social security, traffic safety, and fire prevention? In particular, the Prime Minister noted that consumer prices in January 2018 increased by 0.51%, a high increase compared to the same period last year, requiring closer and more harmonious coordination in adjusting electricity prices, education and health services to ensure CPI increases below 4% as the target set for this year. Therefore, the Prime Minister requested all levels, sectors, especially large centers, not to increase related prices and fees for now. Consumer prices must be well managed with more specific and fundamental solutions.

It is said that many ministries, branches and localities have urgently taken action to implement Resolution 01. The Prime Minister raised the issue of which ministries and localities have not yet issued action plans in the spirit of Resolution 01, "as we said, after 10 days of Resolution 01 being issued, all levels and branches must have specific action programs to implement".../.