PM asks for GDP growth of 6.7% in 2017

Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu

Speaking at the meeting, the PM hailed achievements made by authorities of big cities such as Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City in keeping urban order and clearing pavements for pedestrians over recent days.

He highlighted socio-economic development after the Lunar New Year Festival, including positive signs in foreign investment, number of visitors and optimistic statement of international organizations about Viet Nam’s economic growth in 2017.

The macro-economy was stabilized, inflation controlled, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.23% against the previous month, social security guaranteed and preparations for APEC 2017 basically completed. These were hailed as outcomes made by the Government in February.

However, the PM showed shortcomings and issues in the month such as high rates of traffic accidents, in particular railways ones, risks in food safety and adventure tours.

The Government chief asked members to analyze the domestic situations in the context of intensive international integration, especially improving the effectiveness of the economy, upgrading the business and investment environment and increasing the competitiveness.

He referred to the information that the Nikkei Viet Nam Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index, or PMI, rose to a 21-month high of 54.2 in February from 51.9 in January while the average PMI among ASEAN nations was 50.3.

The PM required participating delegates to discuss measures to address challenges for Viet Nam such as labor capacity, poverty, environmental protection and climate change, which were pointed out by the World Bank Country Director in Viet Nam.

He demanded the Ministers of Industry and Trade, Agriculture and Rural Development, Transport, Construction, Culture, Sports and Tourism, Finance and the State Bank of Viet Nam resolutely launch tasks to ensure growth rate of 6.7% in 2017.

The PM also requested the Ministers and Chairmen of the provincial and municipal People’s Committees to tackle such issues as food safety and environmental protection.

Accordingly, the Government discussed specific mechanisms and policies on some laws and listened to reports and discussed the implementation of Free Trade Agreements, the action plan of the Government on international integration and ways to develop high tech agriculture.