Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính presents certificates of merit to collectives and individuals with outstanding initiatives at the ceremony held by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour on Tuesday. —VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on Tuesday congratulated collectives and individuals with outstanding initiatives and achievements in national socio-economic development amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking at a ceremony honouring stand-out collectives and individuals at the 75,000-initiative programme held by the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour on Tuesday, Chính affirmed that each of those initiatives was the result of research, concern, and hard work of union members and employees, showing dedication to agencies, businesses, trade unions and the country.

The programme on 75,000 initiatives to overcome difficulties and develop the country was launched after the 13th National Congress of the Party when the country began the dual goals of COVID-19 pandemic containment and economic development.

The programme aimed at boosting patriotism, creativity and self-reliance among workers, officials and labourers nationwide in the fight against the pandemic and to develop the economy at the same time.

By using a digital technology platform, after nearly 80 days from March 10 to May 31, the programme attracted 250,177 initiatives, equivalent to over 300 per cent of the target.

These initiatives were from intellectuals, scientists, managers, business leaders, officials, public employees, workers, and soldiers, covering a wide range of fields and sectors, and most of the initiatives have generated concrete benefits, worth over VNĐ148.9 trillion (US$6.5 billion) in total.

Based on this programme’s success, the confederation has called for a further million initiatives to surmount difficulties and defeat the COVID-19 pandemic. The new drive, taking place from September this year to 2023, has attracted a large number of civil servants, public employees, and workers across the country.

In his remarks, PM Chính emphasised that during the struggle for national independence in the past and the national development process at present, the Party and State had always treasured the initiatives and experience of people from all social strata, especially the working class.

He asked relevant ministries, sectors, and all-level authorities to enhance coordination to facilitate activities of trade unions and, especially, apply initiatives of union members, workers, and public employees so as to make new strides in labour productivity, thus helping Việt Nam develop fast and sustainably.

At the event, the Government and the confederation’s leaders presented certificates of merit to seven collectives and 128 individuals with outstanding initiatives. — VNS