HÀ NỘI – Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc has urged Cabinet members to show greater resolve in the management of socio-economic difficulties.
Speaking at the Cabinet’s April meeting in Hà Nội yesterday, the first regular gathering of the newly elected 21-member Government, the leader pointed to a flurry of problems such as high levels of bad debt, saltwater intrusion in the southwestern region and drought in the Central Highlands.
The situation was worsening, as inflation had shown signs of increase and economic growth in the first quarter of the year had fallen compared with last year, he said.
In that context, Phúc noted that management work has yet to observe the principles of the market economy, resulting in low competitiveness.
Businesses have had less chances to benefit from a favourable climate, he said, adding that wastefulness and bureaucracy were still common in State agencies.
The PM called for more efforts to build a pure Government without corruption, wastefulness and other bad deeds, saying he and Cabinet members should set good examples in this regard.
He requested agencies and authorities at all levels to better care for people’s material and spiritual lives while taking measures to meet a growth target of 6.7 perc ent, curb inflation and support those residing in areas prone to natural disasters.
The Government’s objective is to facilitate the operation of businesses, he stressed, adding that 2016 has been designated as the national year of start-ups, especially targeting young entrepreneurs.
Other crucial jobs are to ensure democracy among people, particularly disadvantaged groups, and build institutions - especially those in conformity with technological advances and economic rules.
The national consumer price index (CPI) increased constantly in the first four months of this year, with April’s figure expanding 1.89 per cent year-on-year, according to a report presented by Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyễn Chí Dũng at the meeting.
Natural disasters, particularly the drought in the Central Highlands and south central regions and salinisation in the Mekong Delta, have been blamed for low economic growth, according to the report.
Mass fish deaths due to environmental pollution in the central coastal provinces have hurt local fishery and tourism sectors.
However, the report said, the economy remained stable, with the trade surplus hitting US$1.46 billion in the January-April period. The number of international visitors saw a year-on-year increase.
The Ministry of Planning and Investment suggested relevant agencies re-evaluate food supply and demand, and adjust service prices in essential fields at suitable times. — VNS