Conference to carry out NA resolutions

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on December 30 chaired a Government conference on the implementation of the National Assembly (NA)’s resolutions on socio-economic tasks and State budget for 2011.

The conference was also attended by Deputy Prime Ministers Nguyen Sinh Hung, Pham Gia Khiem, Hoang Trung Hai and Nguyen Thien Nhan along with representatives of ministries, sectors and localities throughout the country.

In his report, Minister of Planning and Investment, Vo Hong Phuc said various fields of the national economy had recovered remarkably thanks to the Government’s effective management and drastic measures to boost exports, limit trade surplus, and improve the trade balance.

The economy has grew at a relatively high quarterly rate of 5.84 percent (first quarter), 6.44 percent (second quarter), 7.18 percent (third quarter) and 7.34 (fourth quarter). The country’s export turnover in 2010 is estimated to reach nearly US$72 billion, 25.5 percent more than in 2009, bringing an increase of 6.78 percent to the total GDP, higher than this year’s target of 6.5 percent and those of 2008 and 2009.

“20 out of 30 targets for this year have been achieved but we have failed to reach some targets on social affairs, especially the environment,” Mr Phuc stressed.

He pointed out some weaknesses and limitations such as low productivity, low quality and low competitiveness, slow economic restructuring and ineffective investment in agriculture and rural development.

Regarding the 2011 plan for socio-economic development, Mr Phuc said more efforts should be made to stabilise the national economy, curb inflation, renew the growth model and raise economic efficiency and competitive capacity.

Next year’s target is to increase the country’s total GDP above 7-7.5 percent and total export turnover by 10 percent, create around 1.6 million new jobs and reduce the number of poor households to 2 percent according to new standards.

Concerning foreign affairs for next year, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem highlighted the great successes Vietnam achieved in foreign affairs related to political diplomacy, economic diplomacy and cultural diplomacy, particularly through Vietnam’s role as ASEAN Chair in 2010

“Participants at the 17th ASEAN Summit praised Vietnam’s role in successfully organising the important event which proved that joining ASEAN was a strategic step for promoting the country’s external relations,”

On the same day, participants at the conference heard a report from Minister and Director of the Government Office, Nguyen Xuan Phuc on reviewing the government’s guidance and management in 2010 and the plans for next year.

Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam, Nguyen Van Giau also briefed them on key targets for monetary control and inflation control.