HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc has asked central and local officials to show political resolve and aspirations to develop the country despite the numerous difficulties facing the nation. 
Concluding a two-day teleconference between the Government and local authorities yesterday, Phúc said the achievements of 2016 were respectable, but an array of difficulties are forecast for 2017 regarding natural disasters, public debt, low economic competitiveness, and an unpredictable international situation. 
To better serve people and businesses, the whole political system must mobilise, particularly at the grass root administrative level which is closest to the people, he noted. 
“Leaders of ministries, sectors and localities must set aside their own interests to successfully perform the task of economic restructuring,” he stressed. 
Phúc asked for efforts to ensure a stable macro-economy and an inflation no higher than 4 per cent in 2017 which, he said, are prerequisites and favourable conditions for sustainable development. 
To achieve a growth rate of 6.7 per cent next year, he requested ministries and sectors to continue tackling business difficulties, promptly disburse public investment capital, apply scientific and technological solutions, and improve productivity and competitiveness. 
Economic growth must be ensured, but not at all costs, he emphasised, while protecting the environment. 
Ministries, sectors and localities need to detect and ask the Government to abolish regulations that hamper national development. They also need to immediately eradicate irrational regulations, which fall within their jurisdiction. 
The Cabinet leader ordered the prompt settlement of non-performing loans and public debt and also asked officials at all levels to practice thrift, prevent wastefulness and take into account effectiveness when using people’s money. 
Localities, ministries and sectors must push forward with improving the business climate so that Việt Nam can be among the top four ASEAN countries with the best business environment. 
State-owned enterprises must be drastically restructured by 2020, he said, adding that the People’s Committee chairpersons of each locality and each minister must take responsibility for this restructuring. They must work to minimise the loss of State assets and deal with big loss projects. — VNS