Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính speaks at the regular meeting on Thursday. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính stressed on Thursday that the clock is ticking and the workload ahead remains immense, urging ministries and agencies to accelerate efforts and deliver breakthrough results in the final stretch of the 2021-2025 term.

The PM delivered the message while chairing the Government’s regular July meeting, held via teleconference with leaders from 34 provinces and centrally run cities.

The agenda focused on reviewing Việt Nam’s socio-economic performance in the first seven months of 2025 and assessing the pace of public investment disbursement, progress on the three national target programmes and the implementation of Government reform under the two-tier administrative model.

Opening the session, the PM warned that Việt Nam’s development efforts are unfolding in an increasingly volatile international environment.

He cited a range of external risks, including the US’s recent announcement of reciprocal tariffs on multiple countries, subdued global growth forecasts, prolonged and emerging conflicts in several regions, intensifying strategic competition between major powers and the growing complexity of non-traditional security threats.

Back home, the PM outlined a number of key areas requiring sustained focus. These include the full-scale implementation of the two-tier local government model, the push to achieve GDP growth of between 8.3 and 8.5 per cent and the need to respond strategically to shifting global trade dynamics, especially US tariff measures.

He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the Politburo’s four strategic pillars and drew attention to ongoing preparations for a series of national milestones, including the 80th anniversaries of the People’s Public Security Forces, the August Revolution on August 19 and National Day on September 2.

Despite mounting external challenges, Chính reported that Việt Nam’s economy remains on a positive trajectory. Over the first seven months of 2025, macroeconomic stability was maintained, inflation stayed under control and core economic balances, including the budget deficit and public debt, were kept in check.

Growth was recorded across all three main sectors: agriculture, manufacturing and services. Notably, total import-export turnover surpassed US$500 billion for the first time, with a trade surplus of more than $10 billion.

Social and cultural development also remained a priority. The Government ensured no citizen was left without food or clothing, while material and spiritual living conditions continued to improve.

Political and social stability was preserved, defence and security were reinforced and Việt Nam’s international engagement was further strengthened.

However, Chính acknowledged that major challenges persist. Traditional growth drivers are facing pressure amid external turbulence, while new economic engines remain in early-stage development and require time to deliver results.

He also pointed to continued bottlenecks in institutional reform, legal frameworks and administrative procedures. Complex issues like food safety, counterfeit goods, drug trafficking and cybersecurity threats continue to pose serious concerns. Natural disasters and disease outbreaks add further complications.

To address these challenges, the PM urged ministries and agencies to conduct a comprehensive review of the nation's performance so far this year and come up with measures to drive momentum through the third quarter and toward year-end.

They were also instructed to evaluate the restructuring of administrative units, the functioning of the two-tier local government model and the progress of the three national target programmes.

Other priorities included speeding up the programme to eliminate substandard and makeshift housing, resolving longstanding project backlogs and preparing to inaugurate key projects in celebration of the August Revolution and National Day.

PM Chính reiterated the need for decisive, coordinated action at all levels of government. With nearly two-thirds of the year already behind us, he warned that the window for fulfilling the term’s objectives is rapidly narrowing. — VNS