Prime Minister: 'The most difficult times are when we show our national spirit, highlighting our bravery and will'

On the morning of May 9, the Government held an online conference between the Prime Minister and businesses, working together to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and restore the economy. Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu

"THE FIRE OF GROWTH MUST STILL BURN"

Speaking at the conference, the Prime Minister emphasized that the Covid-19 pandemic has severely affected the world economy in general and Vietnam in particular. The economies of many countries in the world have been in recession in the first quarter and may last, forecasting a negative growth of 3% this year. Assessing the biggest recession since 1930.

For Vietnam, the first quarter had an economic growth rate of 3.82%, the lowest growth rate in the past 10 years, but still a fairly good growth rate, the highest in the ASEAN bloc.

The IMF predicts that this year the economy will grow by 2.7%, making Vietnam the country with the best growth prospects in the ASEAN 5 bloc.

At Nghe An bridge, there were comrades: Nguyen Duc Trung - Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; Le Hong Vinh - Member of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; Hoang Viet Duong - Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Council co-chaired. Attending were representatives of leaders of relevant departments, branches and representatives of business associations and cooperative unions of the province. Photo: Pham Bang

Faced with that challenge, Vietnam pursues a dual strategy and goal, on the one hand preventing the epidemic, on the other hand ensuring the maintenance of minimal economic activities, accompanied by institutional and structural reforms so that the flame of growth must still burn and can soon flare up again when the epidemic is well controlled.

Vietnam's epidemic prevention and control model is highly appreciated by the world. Up to now, for more than 23 days, Vietnam has had no new infections, except for those entering the country and being quarantined, and no deaths.

“Why are we successful? First of all, our people have the resistance, solidarity, and discipline. If each person is willing to sacrifice a small part of their own interests, everyone will benefit. We are not subjective, but do not worry, we have basically pushed back and controlled the Covid-19 epidemic well,” the Prime Minister emphasized.

In the context of general difficulties, many businesses maintain sustainability, even high growth. Why? Because those businesses operate in core fields, always aim for true values, for the benefit of people, with people at the center, not pursuing virtual values.

5 PROPS TO RE-START THE ECONOMY

Recently, the Politburo, Secretariat, Government and Prime Minister have issued directives and policies to support difficulties for businesses, people and the economy.

When the social distancing order is relaxed, the social pulse gradually returns to normal, the economy will be like a compressed spring, ready to release. With that spirit, the Prime Minister stated that we must focus more on restarting the Vietnamese economy, striving for GDP growth of over 5% in 2020, and controlling inflation below 4%.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc delivered the opening speech at the conference. Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu

“To do so, we must focus on five key areas: First, attracting investment from domestic economic sectors, first and foremost private investment. Second, attracting FDI. Third, boosting exports. Fourth, promoting public investment. Fifth, encouraging domestic consumption,” the Prime Minister affirmed.

To achieve that goal, the Prime Minister wants to demonstrate patriotism, patriotism requires action and strong determination in new conditions.

Businesses must develop in a V-shape. We admit that Vietnam still has many bottlenecks, but this conference is not to talk about retreat, lament poverty, or tell stories of hardship, but to point out major obstacles.

The Government cannot directly help businesses increase profits, but the Government will find ways to promote businesses to increase productivity, only increased productivity is sustainable. To achieve that goal, industries and businesses must advise the Government, and businesses must proactively participate in law making.

The Prime Minister hopes that the conference will demonstrate the patriotic spirit of the people and businesses towards the development of the country. A determination to restructure, overcome weaknesses to accelerate development, and achieve growth targets. This is an opportunity to not only build solidarity but also trust, patriotism, love of work, and contribution to the homeland and the country.

With a strong determination to contribute to the development of the country, business development, and job creation for workers, this spirit must be spread strongly and deeply throughout the system. This conference must have concrete results, not just empty words, in the spirit of removing difficulties for businesses to accelerate development.

Industrial production activities in Nghe An in the first months of the year showed signs of slowing down. Photo: PV

The Prime Minister also asked ministries and sectors to roll up their sleeves and localities to help businesses. “There must be policies to accelerate and leverage. There must also be a spirit of fighting stagnation like fighting an epidemic. The virus of stagnation lies within organizations, businesses and localities,” said the head of the Government.

6 RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY

The first,Love the Fatherland, think of the Fatherland in everything you do, respect the law, have the spirit of sharing with the community and country.

Monday,need unity, disunity is to weaken yourself.

Tuesday,Don't be discouraged, discouragement is giving up.

Wednesday,Active, decisive, passive hesitation is lost opportunity.

Thursday,creativity, lack of creativity is self-regression.

Friday,have faith, deny yourself if you don't have faith.