HCM CITY — To achieve its economic growth target of 8.3 – 8.5 per cent this year, HCM City would strongly focus on utilising its financial special mechanism and mobilising resources, a senior city leader has said.

Speaking at a meeting between city leaders and the chairpersons of the city’s 322 communes on Thursday, People’s Committee chairman Nguyễn Thành Phong said: “Commune leaders should use solutions appropriate for local conditions, especially administrative reform and use of information technology in administration to reduce the time [needed to complete procedures] for local residents and enterprises.

“Local authorities should take care of and support families of people who have contributed to the revolutionary cause, mobilise resources to implement the city’s sustainable poverty reduction programme.”

Recently many localities have successfully implemented the city’s programmes to promote socio-economic development, persuaded people not to encroach on pavements, ensured security, and stepped up administrative reform.

Also at the meeting, issues like improving the quality of commune-level staff by organising more training courses to ensure they meet new development needs, increasing salaries to retain talent and achieving the city’s socio-economic targets were thoroughly discussed.

The National Assembly adopted resolution No 54 last November on piloting special mechanisms and policies for land administration, investment, and finances for HCM City.

It also covers the mechanism for delegating power among various levels of administration and the incomes of officials, public employees and civil servants.

These mechanisms and policies are applicable to State agencies, social, political and other organisations and individuals.

The resolution took effect on January 15 with the Government required to report on its implementation to the National Assembly in 2020 and 2022.

Under the special mechanisms HCM City authorities can make decisions on issues that are now done only by the Prime Minister. — VNS