National Assembly Chairman Vương Đình Huệ speaks at the session. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam is facing new and greater difficulties and challenges, requiring the country to promote the tradition of great national solidarity to overcome this tough time, stated National Assembly Chairman Vương Đình Huệ at the opening of the 15th NA’s second session in Hà Nội on Wednesday.

The event was held in the form of a video conference with connection to 62 NA deputy delegations in localities nationwide.

The NA leader noted that the fourth wave of COVID-19 has severely impacted many sectors, seriously affecting production and business activities as well as the livelihoods and living conditions of people.

With a minus 6.17 per cent year on year economic growth in the third quarter, the country’s economy expanded only 1.42 per cent in the first nine months of this year, the lowest level since 2000, he said, adding that economic growth for the whole year is likely to reach only 2.5-3 per cent, far below the target set by the NA at about 6 per cent.

Thanks to the solidarity of the whole nation, social consensus and the active engagement of the entire political system as well as the support and trust of the people and assistance from the Vietnamese community abroad and international friends, COVID-19 has been put under control across the nation, he said.

Meanwhile, the macro-economy has remained stable, and the agricultural sector has recorded strong growth and continued to be the backbone of the economy and social stability, said the NA leader.

He underlined that exports have surged over the same period last year, while inflation has been reigned in, State budget collection and major balances of the economy have been ensured, social welfare and security have received great attention, and national defence, security and social order have been maintained.

The top legislator briefed on the working programme of the second session, with two laws and five resolutions to be adopted, and five other bills along with the Government’s reports on a series of important issues to be tabled for discussion. Question-and-answer sessions will also be held.

The NA leader asked all legislators to show high sense of responsibility in the debate, speaking out voters’ opinions and deciding important matters.

Gov’t sets growth target of at least 6 per cent in 2022

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính presented to the NA a draft socio-economic development plan for 2022 which aims for a GDP growth of about 6-6.5 per cent in 2022.

The Government’s socio-economic development plan for next year sets forth 16 key targets regarding the economy, social affairs and the environment, including keeping the consumer price index (CPI) growth at around 4 per cent and State budget overspending over GDP at 4 per cent.

To realise those goals, the Government has outlined major tasks and solutions, focusing on implementing the master strategy on pandemic prevention and control, with a roadmap on safe, flexible adaptation to and effective control of COVID-19.

According to the PM, 2022 is a significant year as it creates a foundation for the implementation of the 2021-2025 plan.

The PM also reported to the NA the implementation of the 2021 socio-economic development plan. He stressed that the Government has focused efforts on fighting the pandemic in the spirit of giving first and foremost priority to protecting the health and life of the people, while drawing up a roadmap on safe, flexible adaptation to and effective control of the pandemic to deal with its consequences and boost socio-economic recovery and development.

The Government has adjusted fiscal and monetary policies and others in a flexible fashion to maintain macro-economic stability, ensure major economic balances and spur production and businesses, Chính said.

He added that the Government has also worked to accelerate public investment disbursement, boost export and prioritise the implementation of mechanisms and policies supporting businesses and people.

The PM reported that the country is expected to fulfil eight out of 12 set targets for 2021. The macroeconomy continued to be kept stable, inflation was kept under control and the Consumer Price Index in the first nine months recorded an average growth of 1.82 per cent.

State budget collection in the nine-month period reached over 80 per cent; export turnover during the period reaped over US$240 billion; and national food security was secured.

The Government leader noted that the next steps would focus on promoting the construction and development of synchronic and modern infrastructure systems, particularly in transport, energy, digital infrastructure and agricultural infrastructure; improve education and training quality and scientific research and innovation; and enhance the connection between regions and between economic zones.

He said it was also necessary to pay attention to effectively managing and using land and natural resources, promote environmental protection and natural disaster prevention and control, improve State management efficiency, speed up anti-corruption and strengthen national defence and security. — VNS