Hanoi (VNA) – Growth is an inclusive target of Vietnam, which willassist the country in addressing employment, increasing budget collection andreducing public debt, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc stressed at a nationalteleconference between the Government and localities on July 2.

The PM asked leaders of ministries, sectors and localitiesto propose measures to solve shortcomings, continue improving the business andinvestment environment thus creating a momentum for growth in the remainingmonths of this year.

Regarding the country’s socio-economic situation in thefirst half, he requested delegates to make accurate assessments and measures inaccordance with the situation of each ministry, sector and locality.

The Government highlighted 18 issues that need to bediscussed during this meeting, including inflation control, macro-economicstability, development of support industry and private economy, administrativeprocedure reform, improvement of the business and investment environment,social welfare and other pressing matters, he said.

Looking back the first half of the year, PM Phuc highlightedthat Vietnam recorded positive socio-economic development in all fields withGDP growth of 7.08 percent.

The social investment was equivalent to nearly 33 percent ofGDP, while foreign direct investment (FDI) rose by nearly 6 percent. Statebudget collection was up 14 percent. The country enjoyed a trade surplus of2.71 billion USD, and a year-on-year rise of 16 percent in export.

In the period, foreign trade gained successes, with severalnew agreements signed. Domestic capacity of production was also improved, withover 54,500 new enterprises set up.

Notably, social welfare was ensured and locals’ livingconditions were improved, which was reflected through a significant decrease ina number of poor households and the issue of 22 million free health insurancecards during January-June.

The Government leader cited the result of a public opinionsurvey that 71 percent of the respondents recognised positive changes onexternal relations and international cooperation, while 91 percent believed inanti-corruption efforts.

However, he noted that Vietnam should raise vigilance overnatural disasters and security and order ensuring work. According to him, therecent social disturbance case in central Binh Thuan is a lesson for alllocalities in maintaining security and social order and safety. He stressed theneed to prevent bad elements from inciting others, noting that social order andsafety is the prerequisite to ensure the investment environment andsocio-economic development.

Urgent matters such as traffic safety, food safety, schooland hospital hygiene, corruption and group interests also need suitable andtimely solutions to be addressed.

“The delayed settlement of pressing social problems willaffect the country’s long-term stability and people’s trust,” Phuc stressed.

Regarding shortcomings of the economy in the second half ofthis year, the leader noted the pressure of inflation from the rising prices ofessential products such as oil and gas, transport, and building materials.

He asked for specific measures to curb inflation below 4percent, stabilize the marco-economy, and boost sustainable development.

He repeated that this year, electricity price will not beincreased, while prices of health services are lifted when having all necessaryconditions.

He stressed the need to achieve the growth of 6.53 percentin the third quarter and 6.36 percent in the fourth quarter of this year inorder to fulfil the target of the year.-VNA