HCM City Federation of Labour vice chairman Phùng Thái Quang and staff visited and presented gifts to workers' families who could not afford to go home for the holiday. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Vũ

HÀ NỘI — Nearly 14 million social policy beneficiaries received support worth VNĐ7.76 trillion (US$317 million) in total for Tết (Lunar New Year), according to reports presented at the regular government meeting on Thursday. 

They included war veterans, martyrs’ families and the underprivileged. 

Presiding over the meeting, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính praised the efforts for a safe Lunar New Year and reviewed key tasks to be implemented after the holiday. 

Goods quantity, especially essential items, were abundant with stable quality and prices, he said, while many construction sites and factories have maintained their operations throughout the holiday to ensure projects’ progress. Festivals and cultural and religious activities took place in a safe and vibrant atmosphere.

During the week-long holiday, the tourism sector is estimated to have served 10.5 million domestic visitors, an increase of 16.6 per cent compared to the same period last year. 

Inbound travel also witnessed positive signs with many international seaports welcoming foreign tourists on cruises during Tết. 

PM Chính also expressed his appreciation towards the forces on duty who have been working to protect the nation’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as environmental sanitation, social safety and order for the people. 

PM Chính chairs the regular government meeting on Thursday. — VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang

Traffic flows were relatively stable, with occasional traffic congestion recorded in some localities alongside several cases of overloaded passenger vehicles. 

During the seven days of Tết, from January 8-14, the country counted 541 traffic accidents, increasing by 83 cases compared to 2023. The number of fatalities and injuries this year were 214 and 504, respectively. 

There were also 51.4 per cent more accidents and emergencies caused by firecrackers and explosives, with 604 cases in total. The number of food poisoning cases decreased by 9.5 per cent, with fewer hospitalisations compared to the same period last year. 

Reviewing key tasks to be implemented following the holiday, PM Chính emphasised accelerating production and business operations, job creation and ensuring social welfare in alignment with the Party Central Committee’s direction on the quality of social policies.

He also noted that festivals that continue after Tết need to be organised in a safe and healthy manner, promoting the national cultural identity and ensuring people’s well-being.

Ministries, departments and localities are required to closely and effectively coordinate to address bottlenecks and perfect policies to mobilise all resources for the country’s development. 

The government office will compile a report on Tết preparation for people across the country, which will be submitted to the Party Secretariat. — VNS