HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc has instructed the Government to renew its management work and address shortcomings recently revealed by the National Assembly and members of the public. 
The PM made the request at a monthly government meeting that opened in Hà Nội yesterday.

The focus of the meeting was socio-economic development in the January-November period and the Government’s draft resolution on key tasks and measures for 2019 (Resolution 01/CP).
“Resolution 01/CP must hold the spirit of reform,” PM Phúc said. He urged Government members to offer their opinions on this important document. 
He also called attention to several urgent issues related to people’s petitions and complaints. In connection with the work, the PM announced a decision to establish a special working group led by Deputy Prime Minister Trương Hoà Bình to deal with issues of public concern. 
About preparations for the upcoming Tết (Lunar New Year) festival, which is nearly two months away, PM Phúc called on power companies to ensure stable supplies.

“Relevant officials will have to take full responsibility if power cuts happen,” the PM said.

Regarding African Swine Fever, with reports of cases in China just 100km from Việt Nam, PM Phúc called for prevention.

He also touched on the need to crack down on loan sharks, given the recent discovery of a loan shark ring in Thanh Hoá Province, deemed the largest operation ever uncovered in the country. The well-organised operation had 26 branches across the country, with each branch in charge of two to five provinces and cities under a single individual.
According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the macroeconomic situation had remained stable since the beginning of the year. The consumer price index in November fell by 0.29 per cent, the lowest in nine months. The trade surplus hit US$6.8 billion while there were over 121,000 newly-established firms with total registered capital of VNĐ3.4 quadrillion (US$146.2 billion ) during the 11-month period, while nearly 32,000 enterprises resumed operations. More than 14 million foreign tourists arrived in Việt Nam in the past 11 months, up 21.3 per cent. 
Cabinet members also gave their opinions on the allocation of capital for the construction of the north-south highway, among other issues. — VNS