Hanoi (VNA) – The Government will take moredrastic actions to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the next onemonth, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said while concluding the government's regular meeting for March on April 1.

To that end, the entire political system, under the Partyleadership, needs to stay united to implement countermeasures set by the Partyand the State, the leader stressed.

During the second quarter, the top priority will be ensuringsocial welfare, he said, asking concerned forces to pay more attention to thework.

About the economic situation, the PM stressed itis a must to keep the national economy from collapsing, and to ensure the necessary growthrate and major economic balances.

He suggested stepping up economic measures like fiscalstimulus through tax and fee reduction and extension, and public spending cut.

The PM elaborated the targets of stabilising the macroeconomy, curbing inflation, stabilising the value of the Vietnam currency and theforeign exchange market, and working out a management scenario.

The leader also ordered further cutting prices ofessential goods, especially pork, and administrative fees amidst theCOVID-19 outbreak, while guaranteeing domestic food supply.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade was urged to removedifficulties for 12 major projects, especially loss-making ones, and workharder to cut operational expenses to reduce product prices and expand themarket.

The efforts to contain the epidemic should not hinderthe flow of goods as well as production and business activities, he requested.

During the session, the leader also touched upon smuggling,trade fraud and issues regarding the real estate market, administrative reform,online learning, scientific research and technological application in thereality, especially the health sector.

He emphasised the need to make thorough preparationsfor the 36th ASEAN Summit slated for June, complete proceduresto propose the National Assembly ratify the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, andintensify the management of exit-entry activities by foreigners in Vietnam. /.